Report highlights benefits of sugar free gum

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 28 May 2025

save

LONDON, England: While chewing gum may be considered a somewhat undesirable habit, sugar-free varieties have been proved to be highly beneficial for oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is known to stimulate saliva production, which in turn contributes to neutralising plaque acids, maintaining tooth mineralisation and removing harmful microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans. A new report from Frontier Economics, an English consultancy, has underscored not only the health advantages of sugar-free gum but also its potential to significantly ease the financial burden that accompanies dental treatment.

According to the report, the per capita consumption of sugar-free gum is approximately 89 pieces a year in the UK. While this figure might seem high, it equates to less than the three pieces per day needed to achieve substantial health benefits. One notable benefit of recommended sugar-free gum consumption is the reduction of caries by up to 30%. If the entire target population in the UK raised their consumption to the stipulated three pieces daily, the report estimates that £388 million (€462 million^*) could be saved, stemming from a drastic reduction in dental visits and procedures.

The benefits of sugar-free gum, however, do not end there, having effects on systemic health. The authors pointed out: “In addition to the reduced economic burden associated with preventable oral health issues, there are also benefits from the general improvement in public health such as higher quality of life, a reduction in lost days of school or work and increased capacity for health systems.”

The report argues that the two primary advantages of sugar-free gum as a preventive measure are that it may be suitable for a wide population, including older children and adults, and that there are no upfront or ongoing delivery costs involved. However, using chewing gum requires individuals to change their behaviour (e.g. chewing three pieces per day) and to bear the cost of chewing gum.

A similar recent study from China cautions about treating sugar-free gum as an elixir for oral health. In it, the authors state: “Based on the current status of dental caries in China, relevant departments could consider chewing [sugar-free gum] as a possible supplement to the existing caries prevention strategies. However, it is important to emphasise that chewing [sugar-free gum] is no substitute for traditional oral health practices, such as toothbrushing and flossing.”

What the new report and the existing literature agree upon is that the important oral health and consequent financial benefits of consuming sugar-free gum must be seen as one aspect of a holistic approach to combating dental issues that must also include foundational strategies.

The report, titled Benefits of Sugar-Free Gum—International Analysis, is available to read here.

Editorial note:

^* Calculated on the OANDA platform for 20 March 2025.