Comparison of the Effect of Natural Turpentine and Synthetic Sugar Free Gums on Dental Plaque pH Recovery

Abstract

Introduction:Many different kinds of chewing gum can increase the flow of saliva, and they have been proven to have anti-bacterial effects as well. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of natural turpentine and synthetic sugar-free gums on dental plaque pH after a sucrose challenge. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 15 subjects, who refrained from oral hygiene for two days and rinsed with 10% sucrose solution. Then for 30 minutes, they chewed one of three sugar-free gums: Van (natural), Orbit Complete, Orbit (synthetic), or one sugar-containing chewing gum (Banana). One group did not receive any gum (control group). Plaque pH was measured by the plaque sampling method before rinsing with sucrose, and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 minutes after chewing. Results: The lowest plaque pH drop was seen in the Orbit Complete group, and the highest was in the Banana group. The pH increased faster with Van and Orbit Complete gums. The plaque pH was more than baseline pH after 20 minutes in the Van and Orbit Complete groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: All the three sugar-free gums were effective, although the pH recovery was higher and faster in the Van and Orbit complete groups.