Abstract:
Sugar-free chewing gum, which replaces sugar with non-cariogenic sweeteners, plays an important role in maintaining oral health and preventing dental caries. This article reviews the main ingredients of sugar-free gum, focusing on sweeteners like xylitol and bioactive compounds such as CPP-ACP (Recaldent), and discusses their mechanisms in stimulating saliva, inhibiting cariogenic bacteria, and enhancing remineralization. The development of hygienic packaging for sugar-free gums and their increasing consumer acceptance is also highlighted.Introduction:
Sugar-free chewing gum is formulated by substituting sugar with alternative sweeteners. Popular sugar substitutes include xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol. The typical composition of sugar-free gum consists of sweeteners (50-65%), gum base (18-30%), corn syrup (12-20%), flavor and color additives (1-2%), and softeners (0.3-3%). Sweeteners not only enhance taste and texture but also provide oral health benefits by reducing cariogenic potential.
Sweeteners:
Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, is a widely used sweetener that has the same sweetness as sucrose but with fewer calories (2.43 kcal/g). It is non-fermentable by oral bacteria, meaning bacteria cannot metabolize it to produce acids that cause tooth decay. Xylitol has been recognized as safe by the FDA since the 1960s and is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, carrots, corn, and nuts.Xylitol’s anti-cariogenic effects include promoting enamel remineralization and inhibiting the growth of decay-causing bacteria. It is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as an effective agent for caries prevention.CPP-ACP (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate):
Known commercially as Recaldent, CPP-ACP was discovered by Professor Eric Reynolds at the University of Melbourne. This bioactive complex enhances the natural remineralization of enamel by increasing calcium and phosphate ion concentrations in saliva and dental plaque, especially under acidic conditions. CPP stabilizes ACP and facilitates its deposition onto enamel surfaces, thus preventing demineralization and promoting repair.Additionally, CPP-ACP may disrupt bacterial biofilms and work synergistically with fluoride to strengthen enamel.Effects on Oral Health:
Sugar-free gum significantly stimulates saliva production, which facilitates the mechanical removal of food particles and plaque, buffers oral pH, and enhances mineral saturation to prevent enamel breakdown. Frequent chewing after meals aids in reducing the accumulation of carbohydrates in the mouth, limiting substrate availability for acidogenic bacteria.
Regular use of sugar-free gum with xylitol and CPP-ACP has been shown to improve oral hygiene, reduce plaque, and decrease the incidence of dental caries in various clinical studies.
