Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Understand tooth decay as a multifactoral dynamic disease process.
2. Recite the pathological factors of the decay process.
3. Establish antibacterial therapy as a key treatment protocol for decay.
4. Demonstrate efficacy of xylitol in reducing cariogenic bacteria.
5. Provide microbiological explanation for xylitol’s efficacy.
6. Review clinical evidence regarding xylitol.

Diagnosing and treating dental caries as an infectious disease requires dental practitioners to use antibacterial therapies in their treatment protocol.  Evidence suggests that xylitol plays a key role in any such protocol.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Dental Caries is an Infectious Disease
   
   
2. Lasting Treatment Requires Management of Pathological Causes
   
   
3. Restorations are Not Always Required
   
   
4. Treatment Protocol Should Focus on Reducing Bacteria
   
   
5. Clinical Evidence of Xylitol
   
   
6. Xylitol Products
   
   
   1. Lozenges
      
      
   2. Gum
      
   
   
7. Affects of Xylitol
   
   
8. Clicicians Recommended Regimen
   
   
9. Summary

1. Isokangas, P.; Alanen, P.; Tiekso, J; Makinen, K.K., Xylitol chewing gum in caries prevention.  A field study in children at caries-active ages.  JADA, 117:315-20, 1988
2. Makinen, K.K.; Bennett, C.A.; Hujoel, P.P.; Isokangas, P.J.; Isotupa, K.P.; Pape, Jr., H.R.; Makinen, P.L., Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: A 40-month study. J. Den Res 74(12): 1904-1913, December 1995.
3. Maehara, H.; Iwami, Y.; Mayanagi, H.; Takahashi, N.; Synergistic Inhibition by Combination of Fluoride and Xylitol on Glycolysis of Mutans Streptococciand Its Biochemical Mechanism. Caries Research 39:521-528, 2005.