Want to maintain pearly white teeth? Start chewing sugar-free gum, researchers of a new study claim. A new study reveals sugar-free gum can help prevent dental cavity in children and adults. The study's findings were originally published in the Journal of Dental Research.
King's College London researchers say chewing sugar-free gum can be a preventative measure. "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," study lead author Avijit Banerjee, Professor at King's College London in the UK, told a news portal
This type of gum may also contain antibacterial ingredients, like xylitol and sorbitol, that can offer your teeth an extra layer of protection. "No recent conclusive evidence existed prior to this review that showed the relationship between slowing the development of caries and chewing sugar-free gum," Banerjee told a news portal.
For the study, the team examined studies published over a span of 50 years.The team discovered 12 studies that investigated chewing sugar-free gum and its impact on oral health conditions. They discovered it helped reduce caries increment and reduced the risk of dental issues by 28 per cent.
"There is a considerable degree of variability in the effect from the published data and the trials included were generally of moderate quality", Banerjee told a news portal. Adding,"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."
A 2009 study revealed chewing gum can reduce cravings and consumption for the sweet stuff.Researchers from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge found gum reduced feelings of hunger and cravings for sugary foods.
"Overall, this research demonstrates the potential role chewing gum can play in appetite control, reduction of snack cravings and weight management," Dr Paula J Geiselman, chief of women¹s health and eating behaviour and smoking cessation at Pennington, told a news portal. Adding, "Even small changes in calories can have an impact in the long term. And, this research supports the role of chewing gum as an easy, practical tool for managing snack, especially sweet snack, intake and cravings."
Picture Courtesy: Google Images
