Xylitol in toothpaste: is it effective in reducing the levels of Streptococcus mutans in high caries risk young children?

Brushing twice a day with toothpaste containing 25% xylitol shows a statistically significant decrease in SM levels. This shows a promising anticariogenic effect. Late SM colonisation is protective for future carious lesions. Xylitol can help prevent early childhood caries and early SM contamination.