New evidence suggests chewing sugarfree gum could reduce the further development of dental caries.

A new analysis of all existing research in this area, the most comprehensive to date, has revealed the positive impact sugarfree gum can have on your oral health.

The results found evidence indicating that chewing sugarfree gum could reduce the further development of dental caries, comparing favourably to other preventive interventions, such as more traditional oral health education and supervised tooth brushing alone.

The study, conducted by the world-leading Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King's College London, with support from the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program, systematically reviewed the published literature to date on levels of dental caries in both adults and children who chew sugar-free gum compared with those who do not chew sugarfree gum or use alternatives such as lozenges, rinses and tablets 1.

Despite progress being made in recent years, dental caries remains a serious public health concern. Dental caries remains the most common of all chronic conditions in many countries and tooth decay is the most significant prevalent condition among children. Left untreated, dental caries can severely impact a child and parent’s quality of life by causing difficulty eating and drinking, interrupted sleeping, toothache, irritability and may cause children to avoid smiling because of the appearance of their teeth.2

Previous research3.4 has shown that more traditional oral health educational actions completed in schools have little long-term effectiveness in preventing dental caries. Chewing sugar-free gum may be a way to reach younger populations as an evidence-based intervention, implemented in conjunction with traditional public health messaging.

These results adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting an important role for chewing sugar-free gum in improving both oral and overall health. The study is also an important reminder for both dental professionals and health policymakers of the potential impact of chewing sugar-free gum in an oral care routine. In addition to the health benefits, studies indicate there could also be significant economic benefits from cost savings on dental care. Chewing one additional piece of sugar-free gum per day as part of a complete oral hygiene routine is estimated to deliver $4.1 billion in savings worldwide annually.5

Dr Mike Dodds, Lead oral health scientist at Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program: 'This new King’s College London study reinforces the important role sugarfree gum can play in improving oral health for people around the world. As our lifestyles and eating behaviours have evolved over time it is important that we look beyond brushing alone to find additional ways to protect our teeth and mouth as part of a regularly exercised oral care routine.

'Now is not the time to be complacent. Research is continuing to show us the connections between oral and general health and wellbeing. This study is a timely reminder of the role sugar-free gum can play in helping improve dental health in both developed and developing countries. It also highlights the possible acceptability and feasibility of the use of sugar-free gum as an effective public health intervention.'

Dr Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology & Operative Dentistry, King’s College London and study lead investigator: 'While we have made great strides in some areas of oral care, dental caries continues to have a huge economic, social and societal impact on people, particularly in developing countries.

'Our study highlights the significant positive impact chewing sugarfree gum can have on reducing dental decay. The results should serve as an important reminder to dental professionals and policy makers of the important role sugarfree gum can play in reducing the economic, societal and health burden of poor oral health.'

[1]. Banerjee, A. et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of sugar-free chewing gum in dental caries. Journal of Dental Research - Clinical & Translational Research. November 2019.

2. BaniHani A, Deery C, Toumba J, Munyombwe T, Duggal M.The impact of dental caries and its treatment by conventional or biological approaches on the oral health-related quality of life of children and carers. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2018;28:266-276.

3. Stein C, Santos NML, Hilgert JB, Hugo FN. Effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene and dental caries in schoolchildren: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2018; 46:30-37.

4. Dos Santos A, de Oliveira BH, Nadanovsky P. A systematic review of the effects of supervised toothbrushing on caries incidence in children and adolescents. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2018;28:3-11.

5. Rychlik R, Kreimendahl F, Blaich C, et al. A global approach to assess the economic benefits of increased consumption of sugar-free chewing gum. Am J Dent. 2017;30:77-83.

Author: