Introduction
The human body possesses a remarkable capability that can however be jeopardized by disease. Dental conditions occur as some of the most pertinent concerns in human health. Often connoted as Xerostomia, dry mouth occurs as one the dental conditions that jeopardize human health in different ways. Speaking of dry mouth, this connotes to any dental condition that precipitates dryness of the mouth. In fact, dry mouth occurs in cases where an individual experiences frequent episodes whereby the mouth becomes unusually dry. Many at times, dry mouth is elicited by the decrease in saliva production, which is often caused by the side effect of medications (Sjögren et al., 2010). In a nutshell, dry saliva may seem to be a mere problem, but its consequences are dire in that it has a colossal impact on the health of the teeth, as well as the overall health of an individual. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that a wider array empirical researchers have found xylitol to be beneficial in curbing dry mouth.
Purpose
This paper limits itself to reviewing a wider array of empirical literatures on the topic of dental hygiene. Precisely, the paper will analyse different peer-reviewed journal articles that discuss the topic of dental hygiene, especially the role of xylitol in curbing dry mouth. Worth noting is the fact that the recent past has experienced the emergence of certain claims, which indicate that xylitol offers some benefits in the management Xerostomia (dry mouth). However, such notions do not offer critical perspectives and insight on the manner in which xylitol alleviates dry mouth. In fact, such claims have led to the emergence of questions as to whether xylitol is a drug. For this purpose, this literature reviews is of much essence in that it will address the knowledge gaps that exists pertaining uses of xylitol in the management if dry mouth. While much has bene hypothesized regarding dry mouth, there is a need to note that everyone is prone to this condition. Precisely, there is not a certain populations segments that are immune to dry mouth, however, certain populations are more prone to the condition. Therefore, the importance of the current literature review, which will be undertaken in this paper extends to the fact that it will offer critical information on the populations that are more prone to the condition. Use of prescription medicines, and over-the-counter drugs remains a pertinent concern that has led to the rise in cases of dry mouth. Similarly, diabetes has been hypothesized to be the cause of dry mouth. Conclusively, the persistent rise in cases of dry mouth, which has been evident in the recent past may be as a result of the fact that use of prescription medication and diabetes cases have become so rampant. Both diabetes and prescription drugs jeopardize the functioning of salivary glands; hence, leading to dry mouth (Zhang et al., 2014).
Review of Literature
Dental Benefits of Xylitol and how it relates to Dry Mouth
According to Bahador et al., (2012), the role of xylitol in alleviating the occurrence of dry mouth may be explained from the manner in which tooth decay takes place. Many at times, tooth decay happens in cases when bacteria in the mouth consume sugars that are present in food. Sugar that is contained in various foods nourishes bacteria; hence, resulting in their multiplication. Bacterial multiplication results in the production of acid that erodes the enamel of the teeth. Saliva often helps in maintaining a neutral PH in the mouth; hence, neutralizing potentially damaging acid foods. Coupled with dry mouth, consumption of high sugar foods result in overall damage of individual oral health. Contrary to normal sugars, xylitol as a natural sugar does not breakdown like normal sugar. Therefore, xylitol aid in maintaining a normal PH in the mouth; hence, relieving saliva of its role. This results in high saliva levels in the mouth; hence, reducing incidences of dry mouth.
Medical Benefits of Xylitol and its association with Dry Mouth
The manner in which xylitol alleviates dry mouth may be explained with regards to the medical benefits derived from xylitol. An empirical research carried out by Loveren et al., 2012 found that xylitol has a lower glycaemic index than any other sugar. This concurs with Bahador et al., (2012) study, which found that xylitol has a glycaemic index of 7, which is much lower than the glycaemic index of other sugars, which range from 15 to 100. For instance, Agave nectar has a glycaemic index of 15, whereas that of glucose is 100. Many at times, consumption of foods sources with high glycaemic index results in excess sugar levels in the body, which results in a reduction in the body’s immunity. Despite this, xylitol as a form of sugar has been found to help in repair and healing of body tissues. In fact, Marrs et al., (2011) notes that xylitol aid in building the immunity; hence, protecting the populations from chronic illnesses. From this analysis, it can be deduced that xylitol enhances the immunity of an individual; hence, reducing occurrence of diseases. This helps in alleviating dry mouth in that it reduces cases where people use medications, whose major side effect is dryness of the mouth.
On another note, Bahador et al., (2012) further suggests that xylitol of is much essence in alleviating dry mouth based on the manner in which it controls the use of saliva or mucous. Many at times, infectious germs adhere to salivary glands and mucous membranes, which can precipitate the occurrence of diseases. This impairs the functioning of salivary glands and mucous membranes; hence, occasioning the occurrence of dry mouth. As noted by Yin et al. (2014), Xylitol has been found to make it hard for infectious germs to stick on the mucous membranes and the salivary glands. This ensures that the salivary glands and mucous membranes are often working well, and this prevents incidences of dry mouth.
Nutritional Benefits of Xylitol and its association with Dry Mouth
The essence of xylitol in alleviating dry mouth may be explained with regards to the nutritional benefits conferred by xylitol. As such, xylitol is nutritionally beneficial in that it contains moderate sugar levels; hence, is beneficial from the dietary perspective. Precisely, the nutritional importance of xylitol may be attributed to the fact that it curbs the occurrence of overweight and hyperglycaemia, which results in the occurrence of diabetes. According to Loveren et al., 2012, diabetes is a major cause of various dental conditions, including dry mouth. This may be attributed to the fact that diabetes impairs glucose control by the body. This results in cases sugar levels rise; hence, promote the occurrence of bacterial infections in the mouth. For this purpose, use of xylitol contains standard sugar levels; hence, does not cause hypoglycaemia and diabetes. For this purpose, xylitol alleviates the occurrence of dry mouth by preventing diabetes, which is one of the causes of dry mouth.
Safety and effectiveness of Xylitol in alleviating Xerostomia
Safety and effectiveness of xylitol as a treatment modality for dry mouth has been a topic of concern for various populations. As such, Loveren et al., (2012) article “Functional Foods/Ingredients and Dental Caries.” reports on research that was carried out with the sole intent of evaluating the safety and efficacy of dry mouth products containing xylitol. The research was based on a clinical trial, which utilized close to 40 adults who were enrolled to the research on a random basis. As noted by Yin et al., (2014), dry mouth products containing xylitol increase the flow rates of whole saliva. This plays an important role in curbing the occurrence of dry mouth because inadequate release of saliva is the primary factor that elicits the occurrence of dry mouth. Results drawn from Ritter et al., (2012) concur with notions contained in Yin et al., (2014), which indicate that dry mouth products containing xylitol reduces adverse effects caused by Xerostomia, and also enhances the quality of life for persons diagnosed with Xerostomia. Similarly, Bahador et al., (2012) further argues that dry mouth products containing xylitol do not pose and adverse effects. This confirms notions that indeed xylitol plays an important role in alleviating Xerostomia.
Methods and Procedures
The decision to pursue a research topic emanated from the fact that various hypotheses have been developed regarding the roles of xylitol in the context of dental health. On another note, the current research topic is a result of intense brainstorming that I did as I sought to come up with a valid topic that is aligned with dental health. While brainstorming, I did a wider array of literature search from various search engines, especially google. Through this, I was able to ascertain whether studies have been done on the current topic. As such, I found out that a wider array of researches have been done; hence, such studies would provide an ample basis for my research.
Resource Search and Selection
A careful review of the significant literature related to the essence of xylitol in the context of dental health was conducted. The search was narrowed to the importance of xylitol in alleviating dry mouth limiting the search to 20 articles. Review of the articles abstracts, research design and methodologies were accomplished and 7 articles selected for incorporation into project.
Libraries/search engines and databases used
A wider array of academic research databases were utilized to search for the sources for this project. The most comprehensive databases that were used include eBook Subscription Collection (EBSCOhost), ProQuest, and Google Scholar. On a similar note, the website of the American Dental Association and American Dental Hygienists were consulted for background information on dental education requirements.
Search Terms
Various search terms were utilized were utilized to identify sources for this literature review. The search terms employed include (a) safety and efficiency of xylitol, (b) benefits of xylitol, (c) dry mouth, and (d) effects of polypharmacy on saliva production. This search resulted in 891 articles. Filters were used to narrow down the search.
Age of Sources
More importantly, age of the sources was the first filter used whereby sources published in the last 5 years were considered for inclusion in the literature review.
Discussion
More importantly, xylitol offers certain dental benefits, which works towards reducing the occurrence of dry mouth. Precisely, dental conditions arise from the consumption of diets that are high in sugar. Such sugar aid the growth of bacteria, which results in the production of acid. High acid production prompts an increase in the use of saliva to neutralize the PH arising for increased acid formation. Increased use if saliva eventually leads to shortage of saliva; hence, resulting in dry mouth. Xylitol addresses this in that it has low sugar levels, which does not enhance bacterial growth. As such, xylitol relieves saliva from being used to neutralize acidity and this ensures ample supply of saliva, which curbs cases of dry mouth. It is also of the essence to note that xylitol confers both medical and nutritional benefits, which offer a comprehensive platform that limits the occurrence of dry mouth.
Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses
A close analysis of the sources utilized to carry out the current literature review shows that they are peer-reviewed. As such, the strength of these sources is strengthened because they are based on empirical researches. As such, the information contained in these articles are evidenced based and not based on mere assertions. However, discrepancies exist in the articles used in that some of the articles did not utilize random means of selecting participants including the research. The methodologies utilized in some of the articles were bias; hence, limiting the reliability of the articles in elucidating on the topic of xylitol and its benefits in alleviating dry mouth.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the manner in which xylitol manages dry mouth relates with the manner in which it regulates the saliva production. Adequate amounts of saliva reduce cases of dry mouth, which elicits further emergence of dental conditions. In conclusion, results from the current literature review indicate xylitol increases salivary flow rates. This limits Xerostomia related complaints; hence, enhancing the quality of life amongst persons with dry mouth.
References
Bahador, A., Lesan, S., & Kashi, N (2012). Effect of Xylitol on Cariogenic and Beneficial Oral Streptococci: A Randomized Double-Blind Cross-Over Trial. Iranian Journal of Microbiology, 4(2), p75-81. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=8031ee2d-0797-48c9-bd04- 6374622b1147%40sessionmgr111&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3Qtb Gl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=79820491
Loveren, C., Broukal, Z., & Oganessian, E. (2012).Functional Foods/Ingredients and Dental Caries. European Journal of Nutrition, 51, 15-25. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=392adca6-e04f-4120-a17e- d277050fe573%40sessionmgr113&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3Qtb Gl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=78111904
Marrs, J., Trumbley, S., & Malik, G. (2011). Early Childhood Carries: Determining the Risk Factors and Assessing the Prevention Strategies for Nursing. Pediatric Nursing, 37 (1), 9-15. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=82193fe8-f09c-48af-afbd- 06fee7ea2ae1%40sessionmgr111&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG l2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=59152290
Ritter, A., Preisser, J., Chung, Y., Bader, J., Shugars, D., Amaechi, B., Makhija, S., Funkhouser, K., & Vollmer, W. (2012). Risk Indicators for the Presence and Extent of Root Carries among Caries-Active Adults enrolled in the Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT). Clinical Oral Investigations, 16 (6), p1647-1657. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=a5afbf2f-fe65-410e-ad4f- cb6f048bff08%40sessionmgr110&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl 2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=83482705
Sjögren, P., Kullberg, E., Hoogstraate, J., Johansson, O., Herbst, B., & Forsell, M. (2010). Evaluation of Dental Hygiene Education for Nursing Home Staff. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(2), p345-349. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=d554be5f-db8b-4f5f-b415- 3d205b5b8648%40sessionmgr114&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3Qtb Gl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=47657225
Yin, S., Kim, H., & Kim, H. (2014). Protective Effects of Dietary on Influenza A Virus Infection. PLoS ONE, 9 (1), p1-7. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=3f479396-2a5a-4d74-8c4e- 698fe3d10adf%40sessionmgr115&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG l2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=94233973
Zhang, B., Li, L., Zhang, J., Gao, X., Wang, D. & Hong, J. (2013). Improving Ethanol and Xylitol Fermentation at Elevated Temperature through Substitution of Xylose Reductase in Kluyveromyces Marxianus. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology, 40(3/4), 305-316. Retrieved From: http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail/detail?sid=19df19a0-be42-473e-849e- 3cdf05a139a4%40sessionmgr113&vid=0&hid=128&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG l2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=86051379
