Chewing Gum
Chewing gum in various forms has been around since ancient times.
The U.S. chewing gum market is divided by product type into sugared chewing gums and sugar-free chewing gums. Only sugar-free chewing gums are considered for ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Although using chewing gum may have appeal as a means of drug delivery, factors such as dosing and local effects of active ingredients on the oral cavity may be of concern. Notwithstanding, nicotine-containing gums are among are first-line pharmacologic therapies to assist with smoking cessation recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, there has been aspirin-containing gum sold as an over-the counter (OTC) product, and there are several caffeine-containing gums, are commercially available OTC, some of which contain additional nutraceuticals.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
Look for the ADA Seal—your assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and efficacy by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
A company earns the ADA Seal by demonstrating that its sugar-free chewing gum product meets the requirements for safety and efficacy. Efficacy may include one or more specific indications, such as reducing plaque acids, promoting remineralization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. Studies must also show that the gum is safe to oral tissues. The manufacturer must provide the results of laboratory studies and/or clinical studies (e.g., surrogate studies demonstrating increased salivary flow) in humans.
Does the ADA award its Seal to sugar-containing gum?
To date, the only chewing gums with the ADA Seal are sugarless. They are sweetened by non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol. Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay.