Sorbitol Chewing-Gum Effect on First-Permanent Molar Eruption Phase Caries Incidence

Objective: Strategies that aimed to restrict consumption of sweetened confectionary and beverages by children often fail. This study aim to examine the value of sorbitol chewing-gum as a part of school-preventive regimen. Method: Two random elementary schools at the same area in Riyadh-KSA were assigned for the study, successive primary first grade 182 girls passed the trial (test school n= 84 and passive control school n= 98), ages of pupils were 6-7 years old. Test group received 1 stick sorbitol chewing-gum (Extra®,WRIGLEY'S) every school day along ±247 days after the lunch break and asked to chew it for at least 5 min. The first permanent molars DMF-S and DMF-T scores recorded by same examiner using disposable mirrors, probs and mounted light on chair in the schools classes, at the beginning of the study and after one year (at the beginning of the following school semester). Multiple regression analysis used for analyzing the collected data, with the SPSS-PC program. Results: Fisher's Exact Test showed n.s. difference between test- and control- groups at the baseline while at the end of study, there was significance difference only at the DMF-S component (t. = 1.13± and c.=1.78 (P=0.00)) meanwhile n.s. difference in the DMF-T level recorded (t.= 0.27± c.=0.36±). Conclusion: Psychologically, chewing gum sweetened with non-sugary payolas may satisfy children desire as well as prohibit caries etiology dominant role by raising oral pH medium level and subsequently inhibit acid tolerance bacterial oral species activation sequel on unmatured newly erupted enamel; however, this study initial results implies more longitudinal studies need for measuring the potency of sorbitol chewing gum caries-preventive effect versus cumulated negative oral hygiene care during school time.