Xylitol, a sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits and vegetables or extracted from hardwood and plant fiber, was discovered in the late 19th century. Its ability to prevent cavities has been globally recognized.

A 1986 clinical trial on 11- and 12-year-old children in Ylivieska, Finland, showed that chewing xylitol gum reduced cavity rates by 30-80%. A 1996 study further demonstrated that teeth erupting during or after xylitol use had a lower risk of cavities. A 2000 field study in Estonia on elementary school students indicated that xylitol's effectiveness remained consistent whether delivered via gum or candy. A 2013 study by Marja-Liisa Laitala (Finland) and colleagues (reinforcing earlier research, including Söderling et al. 2000 and Isokangas et al. 2001) noted that mothers who used xylitol gum also contributed to cavity prevention in their children.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Akira Hamura, shared global research on xylitol and its cavity-preventing abilities at the VIDEC conference in August in Hanoi. *Image: Lotte Xylitol*

Xylitol prevents cavities in children by stimulating saliva production. This creates an environment where immune factors in saliva can inhibit the growth or slow the transmission of *mutans streptococci*, the primary bacteria responsible for cavities. Xylitol also promotes the formation of a less cavity-prone oral microbiome, reduces plaque volume and stickiness, prevents mineral loss, and promotes tooth enamel remineralization, thus contributing to a lower cavity rate.

At the Vietnam International Dental Conference (VIDEC) 2025, held from 21/8 to 23/8 in Hanoi, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Akira Hamura, Professor Emeritus at Nippon Dental University (Japan), provided detailed recommendations for parents and caregivers on xylitol use.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, Akira Hamura, provided recommendations on xylitol use for children. *Image: Lotte Xylitol*

According to Professor Hamura, xylitol is most effective when combined with other preventive measures. Oral hygiene guidance should be promoted for all children. In addition to brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, children should maintain a healthy diet, limiting snacks, sweets, and sugary drinks containing sucrose. Children should use xylitol products after meals and begin flossing in their teens.

For children at high risk of cavities, special attention is needed during tooth eruption. They should receive personalized dietary advice, appropriate fluoride supplements as part of a treatment plan, and regular xylitol use at least three times a day (minimum 5 grams daily) to optimize prevention.

Another critical point is avoiding early *mutans streptococci* infection in infants. Cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted through saliva from caregivers, such as when sharing spoons or pre-chewing food for the child. Therefore, parents and caregivers should maintain good oral hygiene, including daily use of xylitol products (5-6 grams daily).

Experts emphasize that xylitol is not merely a sugar substitute but a preventive measure with long-term benefits for children's oral health. To maximize its effects, parents and caregivers should use it correctly and regularly, combined with other healthy habits. By establishing these habits early, families can contribute to a cavity-free society, ensuring a healthier future for children.

Kim Anh