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Effect of gum chewing on plaque accumulation
K C Hoerman1, E J Gasior, S E Zibell
1Loyola University School of Dentistry, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
The Journal of Clinical Dentistry
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Chewing gum, whether sweetened with sorbitol or sucrose, significantly reduces dental plaque accumulation compared to not chewing at all. This benefit was observed even without normal oral hygiene practices, highlighting chewing gum
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Dental Plaque Research
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- Dental plaque accumulation is a primary factor in oral diseases.
- Understanding factors that modulate plaque growth is crucial for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of chewing gum, sweetened with sorbitol or sucrose, on dental plaque formation.
- To compare the effects of different chewing gum sweeteners under conditions of limited oral hygiene.
Main Methods:
- A balanced crossover study involving 19 dental students.
- Participants underwent three 5-day phases: non-chewing (control), sorbitol gum, and sucrose gum, with 9-day hygiene intervals.
- Plaque scores were assessed using the Modified Navy Plaque Index (PLI) on Ramfjord teeth before and after each phase.
Main Results:
- While sorbitol and sucrose gums showed similar plaque scores individually, both significantly reduced plaque accumulation compared to the non-chewing control (PLI 3.3 vs. 3.6).
- No significant difference in plaque scores was found between sorbitol and sucrose sweetened gums.
- Chewing gum use, regardless of sweetener type, demonstrated a preventive effect on plaque buildup.
Conclusions:
- Chewing gum, irrespective of whether it is sweetened with sorbitol or sucrose, is effective in reducing dental plaque accumulation.
- The findings suggest that the mechanical action of chewing gum plays a significant role in mitigating plaque growth, even in the absence of regular oral hygiene.
