Awareness of Xylitol

Presenter Information

Linda Froehlich, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Krystal Bode, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Angela Monson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

9-4-2012 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2012 2:30 PM

Student's Major

Dental Hygiene

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Angela Monon

Mentor's Department

Dental Hygiene

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Second Mentor's Name

Krystal Bode

Second Mentor's Department

Dental Hygiene

Second Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

Purpose. Tooth decay continues to be a significant problem in the population. This study examined dental patients’ knowledge of xylitol and explored any correlations between knowledge and age, education level, ethnic background, and income.

Methods. Surveys were distributed to a convenience sample of dental patients (N=50) at the MSU Dental clinic and Trail Creek Dental Clinic. Of those surveyed, 82% of participants were Caucasian with 85.1% between the ages of 25 and 54.

Results. The average knowledge score regarding xylitol was 5 out of 10 true/false items. Most participants were aware that xylitol is not readily available (70.2%) and that xylitol can reverse the initial stages of decay (68.1%). Most participants (61.7%) were unaware that xylitol can help regulate blood glucose levels for diabetics. Results revealed that there were no significant correlations between the knowledge score and participants’ age, ethnicity, education, or income. There was a significant correlation between participants’ vale of oral health and the knowledge score (r=.36). Despite the lack of knowledge, 79.6% of participants were willing to administer and monitor the use of xylitol for their children to reduce the chance of tooth decay.

Conclusion. The findings in this study suggest that dental patients are unaware of xylitol and its potential benefits, regardless of age, education level, ethnic background or income level. Further research should be conducted with a larger random sample to validate these findings. Increased knowledge among dental patients is needed to encourage the use of xylitol to prevent dental decay.