The effect of chewing gums on acidogenicity of plaque after a sucrose challenge

The aim of this investigation was to study the effect of chewing sugared, sugar free or gum with therapeutic agents like urea or fluoride, on pH of dental plaque after a sucrose challenge using a microtouch method. The 20 subjects aged 8 to 10 years refrained from toothbrushing for 2 days. Resting plaque pH was recorded, followed by sucrose 10% (w/v) rinse for 3 min. After 5 min chewing gum was given and pH recorded at time points of 5, 10, 20, 30 min. Highest plaque pH was found with Endekay (urea) at all time points followed by fluoride chewing gum; Trident, and Wrigley's (p < 0.0001). Sucrose 10% w/v (control) showed the maximum drop in plaque pH when compared to the rest of the groups. The comparative evaluation has shown Endekay having maximum pH against the acidogenic challenge. Therefore the present study indicates that chewing gum containing therapeutic agents like urea may be recommended in high risk caries children.