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All Journal MDJ (Makassar Dental Journal)
Nurul Ilmi
Program Studi Promosi Kesehatan, FIKK Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia
Dentistry

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The potential of xylitol chewing gum as a preventive strategy for plaque index and saliva pH in fixed orthodontic appliance users: Potensi permen karet xylitol sebagai strategi preventif indeks plak dan pH saliva pada pengguna peranti ortodonti cekat Nasyrah Hidayati; Nurul Ilmi
Makassar Dental Journal Vol. 15 No. 2 (2026): Volume 15 Issue 2 August 2026
Publisher : Makassar Dental Journal PDGI Makassar

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Abstract

The use of fixed orthodontic appliances increases the risk of iatrogenic factors such as massive plaque accumulation and a decrease in saliva pH, which trig-gers enamel demineralisation. The main challenges in plaque control are behavioural factors and patient compliance due to complex and time-consuming cleaning procedures. This systematic review examines the potential of xylitol chewing gum as a low-barrier, intervention-based preventive strategy to con-trol plaque index and salivary pH in orthodontic patients. Biochemically, xylitol inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans via a ‘futile metabolic cycle’, re-ducing bacterial colonisation by up to 47.12%. Physiologically, the act of chewing stimulates saliva flow and increases bicarbonate concentration, thereby helping 78.1% of patients achieve a neutral saliva pH. From a health promotion perspective, xylitol chewing gum offers an enjoyable approach, making it ea-sier to integrate into daily life compared to rigid conventional hygiene instructions. It is concluded that xylitol chewing gum is effective as a mechanochemi-cal adjuvant capable of bridging clinical needs with patients’ psychological dynamics to improve the quality of life for orthodontic patients.
Co-Authors Nasyrah Hidayati