ADHP Cariology Practice Test 2026 - Free Cariology Practice Questions and Exam Study Guide

Using xylitol four times daily targets cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, which are the main culprits in dental caries. These bacteria are commonly transmitted from caregiver to infant via saliva, so regular xylitol use lowers the mother’s salivary S. mutans levels and reduces the bacterial reservoir available for transmission. With fewer cariogenic bacteria being passed to the child, the chances of early colonization and caries development decrease. The other bacteria listed are not the primary players in this transmission pathway, so the benefit of xylitol in this context is specifically about reducing transmission of cariogenic bacteria.