Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: wrigley.com

Is it really possible that an 89 cent pack of chewing gum can whiten and strengthen teeth? While this notion seems farfetched to some, gum companies such as Trident and Wrigley's have made such claims.

Trident has conducted clinical studies that "prove" their statement's correct. Trident White claims that chewing two pieces of gum four times a day for four weeks can whiten and strengthen teeth. In addition, Trident White gum states that it will eliminate the occurrence of new stains.

While Trident has not stated what ingredient is used to remove stains, it has been acknowledged that the ingredient "safely breaks surface-level tooth stains from food, wine, coffee, tea, tobacco, removing and allowing the movement of the mouth's natural moisture to wash away the stain," especially on the front teeth.

One ingredient that is mentioned however, is Recaldent. Recaldent helps mineralize and strengthen the teeth as it is derived from milk and contains molecules that bind to calcium and more.

Another ingredient found in Trident that is healthy for teeth is Xylitol. According to Trident, Xylitol is produced in the body and is also a sugar-free sweetener that comes from natural sources. Unlike other sweeteners, Xylitol is not broken down by plaque bacteria found in the mouth. When sweeteners are broken down in the mouth, it leads to the promotion of acids that eat away at the enamel of the teeth. When the enamel of the teeth is broken down, it can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Since Xylitol is not broken down by plaque bacteria found in the mouth, it helps stabilize a neutral pH level in the mouth. Positively, this protects the teeth from decay.

Trident has also proposed that scientists have found that chewing Trident that contains Xylitol decreases the likelihood of tooth decay as opposed to those individuals who do not chew gum containing Xylitol. In addition, studies have also shown that chewing gum containing Xylitol at least five times per day reduces plaque build up, making it easier to "remove plaque when brushing."

Besides Trident White, Wrigley's Orbit White also makes similar claims guaranteeing whiter teeth from chewing gum. Like Trident White, some Orbit products also contain Xylitol to help reduce plaque buildup.

Orbit White conducted an eight week clinical study which showed that chewing two pieces of Orbit White after eating or drinking will lift stains or prevent further stains from forming on the teeth.

Since neither Trident nor Wrigley's stated when and where the studies were conducted, or who was involved in the studies, it is difficult for some consumers to believe such statements. In September 2006, the National Advertising Division (NAD) did some research of their own to test Orbit White's studies.

After the findings were presented, it was concluded that indeed, Orbit White gum does stand behind its claim. However, some factors in the study appeared faulty to other reviewers.

What the NAD found was that Wrigley's did not base their study on the product being sold to customers. In one test, a different gum, referred to as the "test" gum was used. The "test" gum contained .13 percent more baking soda, a product found in some toothpaste, than Orbit White.

The second test presented to the NAD only used a gum that was similar to Orbit. On some occasions it is acceptable to use similar products. However, Wrigley's stated that "the uniquely proprietary formulation and … combination of ingredients … removes stains and whitens teeth." In this instance, this statement is false since the exact ingredients were not used during the study.

With this evidence, one can conclude that getting whiter teeth from Orbit White is simply an establishment claim and not a scientific one. Even though dentists would recommend either chewing gum, most would prefer that patients used other agents that would do the job.

It appears that in order to find out the truth behind these statements, students might have to put Trident White and Orbit White to the test and start chewing right away.

Article Tools