Results from the xylitol for adult caries trial (X-ACT)

James D. Bader, William M. Vollmer, Daniel A. Shugars, Gregg H. Gilbert, Bennett T. Amaechi, John P. Brown, Reesa L. Laws, Kimberly A. Funkhouser, Sonia K. Makhija, André V. Ritter, Michael C. Leo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background. Although caries is prevalent in adults, investigators have tested few preventive therapies in adult populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of xylitol lozenges in preventing caries in adults at elevated risk of developing caries. Methods. The Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT) was a three-site placebo-controlled randomized trial. Participants (n = 691) aged 21 through 80 years consumed five 1.0-gram xylitol or placebo lozenges daily for 33 months. They underwent clinical examinations at baseline and at 12,24 and 33 months. Results. Xylitol lozenges reduced the caries increment 10 percent. This reduction, which represented less than one-third of a surface per year, was not statistically significant. There was no indication of a dose-response effect. Conclusions. Daily use of xylitol lozenges did not result in a statistically or clinically significant reduction in 33-month caries increment among adults at an elevated risk of developing caries. Clinical Implications. These results suggest that xylitol used as a supplement in adults does not reduce their caries experience significantly.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)21-30
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the American Dental Association
Volume144
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Adults
  • Dental caries prevention
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Xylitol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Dentistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Results from the xylitol for adult caries trial (X-ACT)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this