Streptococcus mutans serotype E is a major bacterium causing caries, and widely present in dental plaque. Dentifrices containing xylitol have been shown to inhibit the growth of these mutans streptococci. The aim of the study was to identify the influence of dentifrice containing xylitol on S. mutans serotype E (in vitro). The 1:1 solution of dentifrice containing xylitol was diluted to the test concentrations of 100%, 10%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, and 0.001%, in addition to positive and negative control groups. These solutions were examined in S. mutans serotype E test cultures by the diffusion method. The resulting inhibition zone was 2.16 mm at a concentration of 10%, and 3.0 mm at a concentration of
100%. Zero zone size was found at all other test concentrations,
and a significant (Spearman) negative correlation was indicated
between the concentration of dentifrice and the growth of mutans
streptococci (p<0.05). The MIC was not been identified, but MBC was 10%. In conclusion, the dentifrice containing xylitol can significantly inhibit the growth of S. mutans serotype E at least at dentrifice concentrations of 5-10%.
