Research from around the world has now shown conclusively that chewing sugarfree gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to neutralise the plaque acids that cause dental caries.

Many patients do not know about the scientific evidence supporting the use of sugarfree gum as part of an oral healthcare routine and are likely to be impressed with the hard facts:

Facts:

1. Chewing sugarfree gum, such as EXTRA, has been proven to stimulate the flow of saliva by up to 10 times the normal resting flow rate¹ and produces a prolonged increase for as long as it is chewed.

2. A greater volume and flow rate of stimulated saliva results in an increased ability to clear sugars and acids from around the teeth.

3. Stimulated saliva has a higher concentration of bicarbonate, which raises the pH of saliva and greatly improves its buffering power.

4. Stimulated saliva is much more effective at neutralising plaque acid, which can cause tooth decay².

5. Chewing sugarfree gum, such as EXTRA, after meals and snacks has been show to help reduce tooth decay by up to 40%³.

Therefore, in addition to recommending patients brush with a fluoride toothpaste, providing advice on diet and regular dental checkups, the dental team can play an important role in explaining the benefits of chewing sugarfree gum, such as EXTRA, and persuading patients to incorporate it into their oral healthcare routine.

References:

1. Dawes C, Macpherson L M (1992) Effects of nine different chewing gums and lozenges on salivary flow rates and pH. Caries Res 26:176-182.

2. Shannon LL, From WJ (1973) Enhancement of salivary flow rate and buffering capacity. Journal of Canadian Dental Research 3: 177-181.

3. Szöke J, Bánóczy J Proskin HM (2001) Effect of after-meal sucrose-free gum-chewing on clinical caries. Journal of Dental Research 80(8): 1725-29