European experts have confirmed that sugar-free chewing gums help to maintain dental health.

In the first of a series of opinions relating to ‘general function' health claims, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel looked at:
• Dental and oral health, including gum and tooth protection and strength
• Plaque acid neutralisation
• Maintenance of tooth mineralisation
• Reduction of oral dryness.

On the basis of the data available, the panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of sugar-free chewing gum and plaque acid neutralisation. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: ‘Sugar-free chewing gum helps neutralise plaque acids'. In order to obtain the claimed effect, sugar-free chewing gum should be used for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking.

In the context of proposed wordings, the panel noted that the claimed effect of ‘supporting localised tooth mineralisation' refers to the promotion of a beneficial balance between demineralisation and remineralisation of tooth enamel and dentine.

On the basis of the data available, the panel concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of sugar-free chewing gum and the maintenance of tooth mineralisation. The following wording appropriately reflects the scientific evidence: ‘Sugar-free chewing gum helps maintain tooth mineralisation'. 


When it came to the claim that sugar-free gum ‘reduces/improves dry mouth', the panel came to the conclusion that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of sugar-free chewing gum and reduction of oral dryness, and should worded as: ‘Sugar-free chewing gum may reduce oral dryness'. In order to obtain the claimed effect, sugar-free chewing gum should be used whenever mouth feels dry.

Commenting on these first results, Professor Albert Flynn, chair of EFSA's NDA Panel stated: ‘EFSA's independent scientific advice will help ensure that the health claims made on foods are accurate and helpful to consumers in making healthy diet choices. The scientific opinions will inform future decisions of the Commission and Member States concerning the authorisation of health claims'.