Which statement about xylitol's effect on plaque is supported?

• A. Reduces plaque formation
• B. Increases plaque formation
• C. Has no effect on plaque
• D. Eliminates plaque completely

Answer: (A)

Xylitol reduces plaque formation. This sugar alcohol isn’t fermentable by the main plaque-forming bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, so it lowers acid production that fuels plaque growth. It also interferes with the bacteria’s ability to adhere to tooth surfaces and to produce extracellular polysaccharides that help the biofilm cling together. With regular xylitol use after meals, the overall amount of plaque that accumulates tends to decrease compared with fermentable sugars. It doesn’t wipe out plaque entirely, since some bacteria and residual plaque remain, and no substance completely eradicates the biofilm. So the statement that xylitol reduces plaque formation is the supported one.