Contribution of Maltitol and Lycasin® to Experimental Enamel Demineralization in the Human Mouth

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Abstract
Ten percent (wt/vol) solutions of sucrose and of 2 sucrose substitutes, maltitol and Lycasin, were tested for their contribution to demineralization of bovine enamel slabs in the human mouth. Every test substrate was tested at a minimum of 4 wk. The substrates were tested for their influence on experimental plaques on the enamel slabs. Degree of enamel demineralization was compared to salivary parameters such as secretion rate, pH and buffering capacity. Unlike sucrose, Lycasin and maltitol did not contribute to demineralization. No differences in microbiological parameters of the plaque quality could be demonstrated between plaques influenced by the sugar substitutes or sugar solutions, nor could a relationship be demonstrated between values of the salivary parameters and degree of demineralization. The method may be suitable for pilot studies prior to epidemiological studies on substrate cariogenicity. [Bacterial acid production in dental plaque is discussed].