Human plaque pH responses to meals and the effects of chewing gum.

Interproximal plaque pH responses to five different meals were investigated in this study. All meals were found to be acidogenic, with pH challenges lasting well over one hour. The effects of chewing one sorbitol and two different types of sucrose-containing gum for 20 minutes after the meal were examined. All three types of gum reversed the acid challenge of the meal and resulted in an interproximal pH level that is considered 'safe for teeth'. This study indicates that meals can be very acidogenic and that, in addition to normal preventive dental procedures, chewing gum for 20 minutes after meal consumption should be considered, to reduce the cariogenic challenge to the teeth.