# 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.

## Key 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.