Potential benefits of chewing gum for the delivery of oral therapeutics and its possible role in oral healthcare

Introduction: Over the years, chewing gum has developed from a candy towards an oral health-promoting nutraceutical. This review summarizes evidence for the oral health benefits of chewing gum, emphasizing identification of active ingredients in gum that facilitate prevention and removal of oral biofilm. Areas covered: Chewing of sugar-free gum yields oral health benefits that include clearance of food debris, reduction in oral dryness, increase of biofilm pH and remineralization of enamel. These basic effects of chewing gum are attributed to increased mastication and salivation. Active ingredients incorporated in chewing gums aim to expand these effects to inhibition of extrinsic tooth stain and calculus formation, enhanced enamel remineralization, reduction of the numbers of bacteria in saliva and amount of oral biofilm, neutralization of biofilm pH, and reduction of volatile sulfur compounds. Expert opinion: Evidence for oral-health benefits of chewing gum additives is hard to obtain due to their relatively low concentrations and rapid wash-out. Clinical effects of gum additives are overshadowed by effects of increased mastication and salivation due to the chewing of gum and require daily chewing of gum for prolonged periods of time. Future studies on active ingredients should focus on specifically targeting pathogenic bacteria, whilst leaving the healthy microbiome unaffected

Evaluation of the effects of Er:YAG laser, Nd:YAG laser, and two different desensitizers on dentin permeability: in vitro study

Yilmaz, Nasibe Aycan/0000-0001-5939-8170; KURT, Sevda/0000-0002-3711-6520WOS: 000450033200006PubMed: 29850962The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, PrevDent nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste plus Repairing Serum Kit (PNH), and NUPRO Sensodyne Prophylaxis Paste with NovaMin (NPP) on dentin permeability reduction. Forty dentin discs obtained from bovine incisors were divided into four study groups: Er:YAG laser-treated (2940nm; 0.2W, 80mJ/pulse, 3Hz); Nd:YAG laser-treated (1064nm; 1W, 10Hz); PNH-treated; and NPP-treated groups. the quantitative changes in permeability of each dentin disc were measured using a computerized fluid filtration method (CFFM) before and after desensitizer treatments. the data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon, paired-samples t, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. the dentin surfaces and tubules were also morphologically detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). in all groups, dentin permeability was significantly reduced after the desensitizer and laser treatments (p<0.05). Among the groups, we detected a significant difference in only when comparing the Er:YAG laser- and NPP-treated groups (p=0.034). SEM analysis revealed physical changes in the dentin surface in all groups. This in vitro study shows that all tested desensitizers and laser treatments reduced dentin permeability. Also, surface changes, such as complete or partial occlusion or shrinkage of dentin tubules, were observed in all groups. Although the laser groups performed best, the PNH protocol can be considered as an alternative therapeutic product. in addition, clinical and laboratory studies should be performed for this product, and their efficacy should be assessed by combined therapy with lasers