Effects of Xylitol-laced Sweets on the Accumulation of Dental Plaque : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis was carried out in order to assess the effects of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm. METHODS: Using predetermined keywords, a systematic search was conducted using the original databases published until July 2024 on randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque. The random-effects model was used to obtain the 95% confidence intervals and the pooled weighted mean difference. RESULTS: A quantitative meta-analysis of 13 treatment arms of the included studies showed that xylitol-laced sweetssignificantly decreased the plaque index (PI) (WMD: -0.41, 95% CI: -0.62, -0.20, P < .001) and the quantity of plaque accumulation (WMD: -7.46 mg, 95% CI: -13.38, -1.53, P = .014) compared with thecontrol groups. The subgroup analysis showed that xylitol causes a greater decrease in plaque accumulation (PI and amount of plaque) in the dose of interventions </=20 g compared to >20 g and also during the intervention <4 weeks compared to >/=4 weeks . In addition, the subgroup analysis shows a greater effect on PI reduction in those </= 18 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show the potentially beneficial and significant effects of xylitol-laced sweets either in gummy or candy forms, on reducing plaque accumulation.