A new report commissioned by the Extra Oral Healthcare Program reveals that encouraging the widespread adoption of sugar-free gum as part of daily oral hygiene could prevent up to 740,000 cases of dental caries each year, delivering estimated cost savings of AU$169 million.
The report, Benefits of Sugar-Free Gum – International Analysis, indicate that if most people in Australia chewed sugar-free chewing gum three times a day, there could be an estimated 740,000 fewer cases of dental caries each year. The associated savings in dental treatment costs could reach AU$169 million annually–equivalent to 1.14 per cent of Australia’s national dental care expenditure—and benefit more than eight million people.
Chewing sugar-free gum is a simple and inexpensive intervention that could complement existing oral health practices. If reinvested, these savings could fund:
• 2.2 million additional patient check-ups
• 727,000 million additional tooth extractions
• 777,000 additional tooth fillings
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which plays a key role in oral health by washing away food particles, neutralising plaque acids, and helping to remineralize enamel. This simple habit, alongside regular brushing and dental check-ups, could contribute significantly to improved national oral health.
“Numerous clinical studies have shown how chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities through stimulating saliva that washes away sugars, neutralises plaque acids and helps repair early decay,” Extra Oral Healthcare Program spokesperson Dr Michael Dodds said.
“This is, of course, good for your teeth and oral health, but this latest research shows that this also provides the added advantage of reducing treatment costs, benefiting both consumers and government health services.”
