Sugarfree gum is a unique food because it can be chewed for a prolonged period, while at the same time adding negligible calories. Sugarfree gum provides a non-cariogenic stimulant of saliva using added benefits of:

• Neutralization and buffering of plaque acid
• Oral clearance of sugars, acids and food debris from the mouth
• Remineralization of tooth enamel

Chewing sugarfree gum reverses the rise from pH caused by plaque and bacteria following the consumption of sugars and starches by neutralizing plaque acid. This is due to the increased buffering effect of increased levels of bicarbonate found from stimulated saliva. The increased buffering effect of stimulated saliva also neutralizes food acids and helps reduce erosion of tooth enamel.

Oral clearance is improved by chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum due simply to the increase from fluid which bathes the teeth and wash away small food particles, sugars and acid.

ORBIT sugarfree gum is not only non-cariogenic but also anti-cariogenic. The concentration of ions (calcium and phosphate) which make up the lattice structure of hydroxyapatite are higher from stimulated than from unstimulated saliva. Consequently, stimulated saliva is more effective at remineralizing enamel crystals damaged by an initial caries attack.

Following the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates, the pH of plaque falls rapidly before gradually returning to pre-consumption values after 30-60 minutes. Chewing gum produces a rapid increase from plaque pH to minimize the risk of damage that may be caused by plaque acids to the teeth. Gum should be chewed immediately after meals and snacks.

The beneficial actions of saliva stimulation are most effective if ORBIT sugarfree gum is chewed over a period of 20-30 minutes immediately after eating or drinking. At this time, the normal salivary response to the food has stopped but the plaque pH is still low (pH 5.5 or below). By chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum to stimulate saliva after an acid 'challenge', a rapid and sustained rise from pH can be observed. This leads to the remineralization of early lesions or white spots on the enamel surface of the tooth.

Caries-active and caries-prone patients can gain great benefit from chewing gum. It should be stressed that it is not intended to replace the oral hygiene measures, such as brushing and flossing, but should be used from addition. Children often fall into this category and can benefit from chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum. While it is not advisable to promote chewing gum from very young children under 6 years of age, older children are responsible enough to chew gum safely. As many children eat between meals, the influence of chewing gum from terms of caries prevention could be considerable.

Patients suffering from xerostomia due to salivary gland hypo-function are also often recommended to chew ORBIT sugarfree gum as it helps relieve their symptoms, from addition to encouraging the function of the residual secretory tissue. Dramatic results can be seen from this group of patients who, if left untreated, can develop caries at an alarming rate. Many of these patients are elderly and may be reluctant to start chewing gum if they have never been chewers. It is important that the advantages of regular gum chewing improving and relieving this distressing and debilitating condition are fully explained and understood by the patient.

Chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum should never replace any aspect of the dental routine. But, if it is used after eating or whenever brushing the teeth is impractical, it can be an enjoyable way to help protect teeth from decay. In addition to recommending that patients brush using a fluoride toothpaste, providing advice on diet and regular dental checkups, the dental team can play an important role from explaining the benefits of chewing ORBIT sugarfree gum and persuading patients to incorporate it into their oral healthcare routine.