A comparative in vivo study of natural sweetening agents and their effect on salivary pH levels among children visiting a dental hospital in North India

TL;DR

This study compares natural sweeteners' effects on children's saliva pH in North India, finding xylitol most effective in raising pH.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on how natural sweeteners affect salivary pH in children.

Findings

All natural sweeteners significantly increased salivary pH within 15 minutes.

Xylitol showed the highest mean pH of 7.40 at 30 minutes.

The control group showed no significant pH changes.

Abstract

Natural sweetening agents have recently gained attention as potential alternatives to refined sugar, owing to their possible
non-cariogenic or even protective effects against dental caries. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effect of natural
sweetening agents on salivary pH levels in children visiting a dental hospital in North India. This current in vivo
study was conducted among 140 children who were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 35 each): Group A (xylitol), Group B (maple syrup),
Group C (date sugar) and Group D (distilled water, control). Saliva was collected at baseline, 0, 15 and 30 minutes post-rinsing and pH
was assessed using indicator strips. All natural sweeteners significantly increased salivary pH (p < 0.05), peaking at 15 minutes.
Xylitol showed the highest mean pH at 30 minutes (7.40 ± 0.60), while no significant changes occurred in the control group. Xylitol,
maple syrup and date sugar positively modulate salivary pH, with xylitol showing the greatest effect.