AAPD Policy on the Use of Xylitol in Caries Protection

The recent policy document on the use of xylitol in caries protection from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) emphasises the growing concern among dental professionals in the USA regarding the issue of childhood caries.  In essence, the AAPD has recognised the ‘benefits of caries strategies involving sugar substitutes, particularly xylitol.’ This decision was made based on the overwhelming clinical data which underlines the caries reduction effects of xylitol.

The policy is designed to "assist oral health care professionals make informed decisions about the use of xylitol-based products in caries prevention" and makes three clear statements:

"The AAPD:

• 1. supports preventative strategies aimed specifically at long term caries pathogen suppression and caries (dmf) reduction using commercially available non-cariogenic sugar substitutes such as xylitol.
• 2. recommends further research on xylitol to improve the evidence-based knowledge, the impact of delivery vehicles, and the identification of optimal prevention strategies to reduce caries (dmf) and improve the oral health of children.
• 3. encourages xylitol-containing products to be labelled clearly to enable dentists and consumers to evaluate fully their therapeutic value."

Further information can be found at the AAPD website (www.aapd.org) and the policy document can be found at the media section (http://www.aapd.org/media/policies_guidelines/p_xylitol.pdf).