The use of Xylitol chewing gum in oral health promotion for Finnish students

The beneficial effects of xylitol, a noncariogenic sweetening agent, on oral health have been conclusively demonstrated in international trials, its therapeutic mechanisms have been thoroughly investigated. A four-week trial was conducted to study university students' conceptions of xylitol and their willingness to use xylitol chewing gum to improve their oral health. The trial was carried out in a large student's refectory operated by the State Catering Centre in Turku. During the first test period every student eating in the refectory was given one packet of xylitol gum free and during the second period only on request. Students' use of the gum after meals was monitored, and their opinions were surveyed One thousand two hundred and twenty-one students returned completed questionnaires. Virtually every student was either chewing or about to chew when separately monitored on leaving the refectory. Students' attitudes towards use of xylitol chewing gum in the refectory diet were favourable: 66% recommended it unconditionally and 31% accepted it. The students were aware of the properties and benefit to oral health of xylitol. Thirty-eight per cent of the students studied considered xylitol chewing gum to be of considerable benefit to dental health. Fifty-seven per cent considered it to be moderate benefit to dental health. Most students considered their teeth to be in good condition; only 2% felt they were not. Two thirds of the students stated that they used chewing gum at least once a week Fifteen per cent of students regularly used chewing gum after meals. The results of the trial demonstrated that university students reacted favourably to provision of xylitol chewing gum in connection with refectory meals. There would seem to be potential for the promotion of post prandial use of xylixol chewing gum.

Chewing gum · Oral health · Xylitol · Dental Anxiety and Anesthesia Techniques · Dental Health and Care Utilization · Dentistry · Food Science · Medicine · Oral microbiology and periodontitis research