The Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum in Dental Caries Prevention

Abstract

The key to avoiding dental caries is managing the microorganisms on the tooth responsible for demineralization. Chewing gum has physical adhesive capabilities. It also promotes saliva flow, assisting in eliminating food particles and reducing the formation of bacterial biofilms in the oral cavity. Saliva flow also helps to balance the pH balance in the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of dental caries. In addition, sugar-free gum contains various antibacterial and remineralization substances, such as xylitol and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). In conclusion, sugar-free gum can remove food particles and tartar, stimulate saliva, increase oral pH, inhibit demineralization, and increase remineralization. These qualities aid in preventing dental caries.