The effect of sorbitol-containing chewing gum on the incidence of dental caries; plaque and gingivitis in Danish schoolchildren

ABSTRACT – The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of long-term systematic chewing of sugarless, sorbitol-containing chewing gum on the incidence of dental caries, plaque and gingivitis. Eight- to 12-year-old children from two schools in the town of Nörresundby, Denmark participated in the study, which took place from 1968–1970. A total of 174 children from School T were given 3 pieces of sorbitol-containing chewing gum daily (Sor-bits®, identical to Ben-bits®) to be chewed after breakfast, lunch and supper; 166 children from School K acted as a control group. After two years the caries increment in children from School T was 5.6 decayed and filled surfaces per child as compared to 6.2 in children from School K. This difference (approx. 10 %) was statistically significant. The results indicate a depression in the caries progression rate in children who have been chewing sorbitol-containing chewing gum for 2 years. On the other hand, a series of practical circumstances in connection with the planning and performance of the study would suggest that the results obtained cannot with certainty be attributed to Sor-bits alone, but only taken as an indication thereof. Chewing of Sor-bits did not cause any change in the occurrence of gingivitis and plaque.