Chewing sugar free gum ‘can help prevent tooth decay’ Researchers at King’s College London found some evidence that the gum can reduce the advancement of cavities.

Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce tooth decay, a new review has found. Researchers at King’s College London found some evidence that it can reduce the advancement of cavities, and could be used as a preventative method.

The review included analysis of studies published over the last 50 years, identifying 12 which explored the impact and outcomes of chewing sugar-free gum on oral health conditions, and in particular, cavities on adults and children. Sugar-free gum was found to reduce the build up of cavities by 28 per cent.

Lead author Professor Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology & Operative Dentistry at King’s College London, said: “There is a considerable degree of variability in the effect from the published data and the trials included were generally of moderate quality.

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”However, we felt there was a definite need to update and refresh existing knowledge about sugar-free gum and its effect on dental caries and oral health. We are planning further research to determine the acceptability and feasibility of using this method in public health.”

Free check-ups

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in the UK. Over half of adults in the UK have one or more decayed or damaged teeth. The problem is worsening in children with almost three-quarters of children aged 8 to 15 years now having some tooth decay.

Labour has proposed to provide free NHS dental check-ups for everyone in England as part of its election manifesto. Currently patients pay £270million a year in NHS dental charges, as dentistry is one of a handful of NHS services where people pay towards the cost of care.

In recent years, chewing sugar-free gum has emerged as a possible supplement to existing prevention strategies in stopping the development of cavities, also known as dental caries.

Chewing sugar-free gum

Professor Banerjee said: “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 research is published in the Journal of Dental Research: Clinical & Translational Research.