Microbiological comparison of efficacy of two chewing gum on salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans count in caries active children – An in vivo study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess, evaluate, and compare the efficacy of xylitol chewing gums and immunoglobulin Y (IgY) chewable tablet on Streptococcus mutans by microbiological culture method in caries-active children. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 children were selected from two residential schools, situated in kumbalgodu, Bengaluru, aged between 5 and 8 years with DMFT/dmft index of 3–6. The children were randomly divided into two groups by lottery method, each consisting of 15 children per group. IgY chewable tablet – Group I (test group) and xylitol chewing gum – Group II (control group). The children were given IgY no decay chewable tablet and xylitol chewing gum, respectively, and were instructed to chew one pellet each two times a day after a meal for 30 days. Preintervention salivary samples were collected at baseline, 30 days after chewing gum use as postintervention sample, for microbiological analysis. Results: IgY no decay chewable tablet two times a day for 30 days can successfully reduce salivary S. mutans counts than the xylitol chewing gum group. Conclusion: This study concluded that IgY in the form of chewable tablet has shown a maximum beneficial effect against salivary S. mutans for children who are at high risk of caries than xylitol chewing gum.