87 Review Article Literature Review: Use of Xylitol for Prevention of Acute Otitis Media Agnes de Fátima Faustino Pereira*, Thiago Cruvinel da Silva**, Magali de Lourdes Caldana***, Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira Machado****, Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf*****. * In course for Doctor’s Degree in Oral Biology at FOB-USP. Phonoaudiologist. ** Doctor’s Degree in Odontopediatrics at FOB/USP. Odontopediatrician. *** Doctor Professor of the Phonoaudiology Course at FOB/USP. Phonoaudiologist. *** Doctor Professor of the Odontopediatrics Department at FOB/USP. Odontopediatrician. ***** Head Professor of the Biological Sciences Department at FOB/USP. Biochemist. Institution: Universidade de São Paulo - Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/USP). Bauru / SP - Brazil. Mail address: Agnes de Fátima Faustino Pereira - Alameda das Acácias 2-85 - São Geraldo - Bauru / SP - Brazil - Zip code: 17021-090 - E-mail: agnespereira@usp.br Article received on November 15, 2008. Approved on February 24, 2009. S UMMARY Introduction: Xylitol is a sugar naturally found in various vegetables and fruits. Studies have demonstrated that the xylitol can be used as new preventive method for acute otitis media (AOM). Objective: To clarify the possible mechanisms of xylitol actions to inhibit the growth of otopathogenic bacteria and to describe researches that contribute for the discussion about the feasibility of the use of this sugar in the prevention of AOM. Method: Literature review based on scientific articles selected by means of the medical databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed (MeSH) and Web of Science. Results: Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of xylitol to prevent the AOM, when it is administered five times a day in chewing gum. However, this sugar is not so effective in the prevention of AOM during upper airways infections. Final Comments: Xylitol seems to be an effective strategy in prevention of acute otitis media. However, new studies are necessary to establish ideal doses, frequencies and vehicles for the correct administration of the sugar, which allows for its utilization in the public health system. Keywords: otitis media, child, xylitol, Streptococcus pneumoniae. Intl. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol., São Paulo, v.13, n.1, p. 87-92, 2009.