pH changes in plaque after eating snacks and meals, and their modification by chewing sugared- or sugar-free gum

Previous studies have suggested that if either sugar-free or sucrose-containing chewing gum is chewed after acidogenic meals or snacks, the plaque pH response to the latter is reduced and the potential for remineralisation of experimental white spot caries lesions is enhanced. This study has compared the effects of both gums on plaque pH (measured by the sampling technique) in 10 subjects who chewed the gums after standard acidogenic challenges (sucrose rinse, cupcake, and fried chicken dinner). The results showed that while both gums can significantly reduce the acid response, sugar-free gum appears more effective.