The use of low‐tack chewing gum for individuals wearing orthodontic appliances

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Abstract
A clinical study was carried out to determine the acceptability of a sugar‐free, low‐tack chewing gum by orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. Twenty‐five orthodontic and 25 non‐orthodontic control subjects were questioned on their preference between regular‐tack and low‐tack chewing gum. The orthodontic subjects showed a strong preference for the low‐tack gum compared with the regular‐tack gum. It was concluded that low‐tack, sugar‐free chewing gum can be used by orthodontic patients to increase saliva flow, with the potential to promote remineralization and help reduce white spot lesion formation related to fixed orthodontic appliances. This gum should also be of value in patients being treated for xerostomia who are wearing a partial denture.