A short term plaque study using lactitol as a non-sugar sweetener

A short-term plaque study was undertaken in a group of 12 children of 8-12 years age to evaluate the effect of lactitol, 4-O (β -galactosyl)- D- glucitol, on dental plaque pH, weight and microchemical composition. Sucrose which was taken as control and lactitol, were used in both solution form and sweets. Plaque pH recording was done at rest and post consumption periods at 5, 10, 20 and 30 minute intervals. Weight and microchemical analysis were done with 3-day-old plaque after consumption of sweets. Throughout the study period lactitol did not reach to a pH where the demineralization of enamel starts. A significant reduction in plaque formation, carbohydrate content, increase in calcium, phosphorus and protein in lactitol showed the potentiality of this bulk sweetener as non-cariogenic.