In a new study, researchers found that chewing sugar-free gum could help to reduce the further development of dental caries (cavities) in adults and children.
They found some evidence that chewing sugar-free gum can reduce the advancement of dental caries, and could be used as a viable preventative method.
The research was conducted by a team at King’s College London.
In recent years, chewing sugar-free gum has emerged as a possible supplement to existing prevention strategies in stopping the development of dental caries.
The study included analysis of research published over the last 50 years, identifying 12 which explored the impact and intervention outcome of chewing sugar-free gum on oral health conditions, and in particular, dental caries on adults and children.
The team found that sugar-free gum could reduce caries increment, giving it a preventative factor of 28%.
The team says both the stimulation of saliva which can act as a natural barrier to protect teeth, and the mechanical plaque control that results from the act of chewing, can contribute to the prevention of dental caries.
Sugar-free gum can also act as a carrier for antibacterial ingredients including xylitol and sorbitol.
No recent conclusive evidence existed prior to this review that showed the relationship between slowing the development of caries and chewing sugar-free gum.
The researchers feel that there is a definite need to update and refresh existing knowledge about sugar-free gum and its effect on dental caries and oral health.
They are planning further research to determine the acceptability and feasibility of using this method in public health.
The lead author of the study is Professor Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology & Operative Dentistry at King’s College London.
The study is published in the Journal of Dental Research: Clinical & Translational Research.
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