Author’s response from Dr. Curro
Gum chewing as an adjunct to the use of medications has been proposed in the past. Chlorhexidine in gum has been shown to have efficacy equivalent to that in the mouthrinse. My article was written to expand the boundaries, yet unconsidered, for gum chewing. To be used as a medication, the drug in the gum would have to be controlled, probably with a novel delivery system, and the chewing timed. The physiology is becoming very interesting, and my article describes that there may be secondary effects due to the chewing alone. "May be" is the operative phrase, which has to be demonstrated, as I state in the article, in a clinical study.
While the anticariogenic benefit of a normal, active saliva flow is unquestionable, we have available very effective, proven means of controlling tooth decay with the appropriate use of fluorides, responsible dietary habits and conscientious oral hygiene practices.
Frederick A. Curro, DMD, PhD
Clinical Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine and Director, Pharmacotherapeutic Research Bluestone, Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York City
