EFFECT OF XYLITOL ON DENTIN FORMATION IN MOLARS OF ADULT-RATS

A xylitol-induced reduction in dentin formation has been observed in m olars of post-weanling rats, but the effect in older animals with a sl ower rate of secondary dentinogenesis has not been investigated. We ex amined the effects of different concentrations of dietary xylitol on d entinogenesis in molars of young adult rats. The control group receive d a commercial basal diet, while for the other 3 groups, the same diet was supplemented with 5, 10 and 20% of xylitol. After 8 weeks, dentin thickness beneath the main fissures in the mandibular 1st and 2nd mol ars was measured. The final body weights did not differ between the gr oups. Dentin formation in the Ist molars of the 10 and 20% xylitol gro ups was significantly lower as compared to the controls, whereas no di fference was found between these 2 groups. In conclusion, dietary xyli tol reduces dentin formation in young adult rats in spite of the slow rate of dentinogenesis.