Which sugar alcohol is used in chewing gum to stimulate salivary flow?

• A. Xylitol
• B. Sorbitol
• C. Maltitol
• D. Erythritol

Answer: (A)

Chewing gum that contains a sugar alcohol can stimulate saliva, and this flow helps rinse away acids and sugars, buffering the mouth and aiding remineralization. Among common sugar alcohols used in gum, xylitol stands out for both strongly promoting salivary stimulation and offering anti-cariogenic benefits. It is not effectively fermented by cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, so it tends to reduce acid production and tooth decay risk while the act of chewing keeps the mouth’s natural cleansing process active. Other sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol, and erythritol are used as alternatives, but they do not provide the same combination of robust salivary stimulation and anti-cariogenic effect that xylitol offers.