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

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Abstract
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.

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