Noncariogenicity of Maltitol in Specific Pathogen-Free Rats Infected with Mutans Streptococci

Abstract

The effect of maltitol on caries development was examined in an experimental caries system employing specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley rats. Fourteen strains of oral streptococci, including mutans streptococci, did not utilize the maltitol nor produce sufficient acid to demineralize tooth enamel. Furthermore, maltitol did not serve as a substrate for glucosyltransferases of either Streptococcus mutans MT8148R or Streptococcus sobrinus 6715 to synthesize water-insoluble glucan. Maltitol induced no significant dental caries in SPF rats infected with these mutans streptococci, and replacement of the dietary sucrose content with maltitol resulted in a trend towards caries reduction in SPF rats.

Sucrose substitutes and their role in caries prevention

“…Evaluation of maltitol in vivo by the pH response of dental plaque using an intra-oral apparatus 31 and in vivo by experimental enamel demineralisation 81 has demonstrated that maltitol does not lower plaque pH 80 . It has also been demonstrated that 14 strains of oral streptococci, including mutans streptococci, do not utilise maltitol or produce sufficient acid in its presence to demineralise tooth enamel 82 . Furthermore, maltitol does not serve as a substrate for glucosyltransferases of either S.mutans MT8148R or S.mutans 6715 for the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan 82 .…”

“…It has also been demonstrated that 14 strains of oral streptococci, including mutans streptococci, do not utilise maltitol or produce sufficient acid in its presence to demineralise tooth enamel 82 . Furthermore, maltitol does not serve as a substrate for glucosyltransferases of either S.mutans MT8148R or S.mutans 6715 for the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan 82 . A significantly lower caries score was also reported for rats fed maltitol compared with those fed sucrose 82 .…”

“…Furthermore, maltitol does not serve as a substrate for glucosyltransferases of either S.mutans MT8148R or S.mutans 6715 for the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan 82 . A significantly lower caries score was also reported for rats fed maltitol compared with those fed sucrose 82 .…”

Are sugar-free confections really beneficial for dental health?

“…Replacement of sucrose with maltitol in the diet resulted in a trend towards caries reduction. 37 More recently, Mäkinen and co-workers compared the effects of erythritol, a tetritol (4-carbon sugar alcohol), with xylitol and D-glucitol (a 6-carbon sugar alcohol) on the risk of dental caries. 38 The use of erythritol and xylitol resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the plaque and saliva levels of S. mutans (p <0.001 in most cases) and there was also a significant reduction in the amount of dental plaque in groups receiving erythritol and xylitol.…”

Anticariogenic Activities of Lactobacillus sakei K-7 Isolated from Kimchi

“…최근에는 구강내에서효과적인 항충치 작용을 가진 소재를 발굴하기 위해서 1) St. mutans의 증식을 저해하는 작용 [4,5] 2) sucrose로부터 glucan형성에 관여하는 GTase활성 저해 작용 [6,7], 3) St. mutans가 대사하지 못하는 sucrose대체 감미료 사용 등 천연물질로부터 항충치 물질을 분리하고자 하는 연구가 시도되었다 [8].…”