Author’s response from Dr. Ly
Dr. Pelczar rightly observes that there are a limited number of strategies for preventing and arresting tooth decay, each requiring either strict adherence to daily activities (such as brushing with fluoridated toothpaste) or access to professional services (such as the application of topical fluorides). Tooth decay is a persistent problem for some in our population, leading to unnecessary negative effects on the quality of life. Thus, the search for new approaches, or the adaptation of others, remains a priority. The medical use of chewing gum has been documented as successful in some countries,1–5 and it behooves us as professionals to consider this as part of our strategies for both individual patients and populations. Dr. Pelczar should be lauded for his attention to prevention in his practice.
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REFERENCES
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- Schneider NG, Cortner C, Justice M, et al. Preferences among five nicotine treatments based on information versus sampling. Nicotine Tob Res 2008;10(1):179–186.[Abstract]
- Simons D, Brailsford SR, Kidd EA, Beighton D. The effect of medicated chewing gums on oral health in frail older people: a 1-year clinical trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2002; 50(8):1348–1353.[Medline]
- Richter P, Chaffin J. Army’s "look for xylitol first" program. Dent Assist 2004;73(2): 38–40.[Medline]
- Nordblad A, Suominen-Taipale L, Murtomaa H, Vartiainen E, Koskela K. Smart Habit Xylitol campaign, a new approach in oral health promotion. Community Dent Health 1995;12(4):230–234.[Medline]
- Kolahi J, Soolari A, Ghalayani P, Varshosaz J, Fazilaty M. Newly formulated chlorhexidine gluconate chewing gum that gives both anti-plaque effectiveness and an acceptable taste: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Int Acad Periodontol 2008;10(2):38–44.[Medline]
Kiet A. Ly, MD, MPH
Acting Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, University of Washington, Seattle
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