The Effect of Chewing Gum Containing Calcium Phosphate

on Reducing Dental Plaque

Abstract

In this study we used the so-called “tooth-cleaning” chewing gum (Hamigaki-gum), considered to be highly effective on reducing dental plaque, and examined its effectiveness with regard to: 1) effective ingredients 2) appropirate site per time 3) chewing method. Results were observed by using PCR and OHI.
1. Following the chewing of common chewing gum (containing calcium carbonate 2.6%) and chewing gum (containing secondary calcium phosphate 2.6%), it was observed that the trial chewing gum was significantly (p<0.05) more effective than the secondary chewing gum.
2. Comparison of chewing a piece of chewing gum (4.35g), two pieces of chewing gum (8.7g), and three pieces of chewing gum (13.05g), showed that two pieces of chewing gum was most effective, and effect reduced with three pieces of chewing gum.
3. The chewing method of finger-pressing the gum on the teeth from the buccalis was not shown to be effective.
4. From this study, it was considered that secondary calcium phosphate was highly effectiveness in reducing dental plaque. Therefore it was concluded that further improvement could be expected with this gum.