To determine whether the use of chewing gum reduced the impact and pain of fixed orthodontic appliances

Al-Bloushi, R.J.

Benson, P.E.

Razi, R.M.

English

White Rose Research Online

The effect of chewing gum on the impact, pain and breakages associated with fixed orthodontic appliances: a randomized clinical trial

Authors - Benson PE, Razi RM, Al-Bloushi RJ

Objectives - To determine if the use of chewing gum reduced the impact and pain of fixed orthodontic appliances.

Setting and sample population - The Orthodontic Department of the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Fifty-seven patients aged 18 years old or younger and who were about to start fixed orthodontic appliance treatment.

Subjects and Methods - A randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups allocated to either receive chewing gum after placement of their appliance or who were asked not to chew gum. The patients completed a previously validated Impact of Fixed Appliances questionnaire at 24hrs and 1wk following each visit up until the placement of the working archwire. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the intensity of pain. Appliance breakages were recorded to the end of treatment.

Results - The difference between the median Total Impact Score of the two groups at 24hrs was 16, which was significantly different (P=0.031; Mann-Whitney U test). The difference between the median VAS between the two groups at 24 hours was 25 mm, which was significantly different (P=0.038; Mann-Whitney U test). There were no differences at 1 week. None of the risk ratios for appliance breakages were significant.

Conclusion - Chewing gum significantly decreased both the impact and pain from the fixed appliances. There was no evidence that chewing gum increased the incidence of appliance breakages

The effect of chewing gum on the impact, pain and breakages associated with fixed orthodontic appliances: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

White Rose Research Online

White Rose Research Online

White Rose Research Online

Crossref