In response to an application by Wrigley, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a health claim that xylitol-, sorbitol-, and mannitol-based sugar-free chewing gum reduces the risk of caries.
In a scientific opinion issued October 1, EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies said it found that causality has been established between the chewing gum and a reduction in the occurrence of tooth demineralization and caries.
The panel said it took into account that almost all of the clinical trials of sugar-free chewing gum consumption showed reduced tooth demineralization (as indicated by a reduction in caries incidence), and that there was strong evidence supporting the biological plausibility for the effect.
"The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of sugar-free chewing gum and reduction of tooth demineralization and a reduction in incidence of caries," the EFSA noted.
In order to obtain the claimed effect, 2-3 g of sugar-free chewing gum should be chewed for 20 minutes at least three times per day after meals, the EFSA added.
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