You can now chew gum with your dentist's approval but only if it's Wrigley's. The American Dental Association has awarded Wrigley sugar free gums, Orbit, Extra and Eclipse its seal of approval.
ADA approval was based on studies, partially funded and submitted by Wrigley's itself, that those 3 specific gums prevent cavities, reduce plaque and strengthen teeth. Chew the gum for 20 minutes after eating and you increase your saliva production. Saliva helps neutralize and wash away plaque and bathes teeth in minerals like calcium, phosphate and fluoride which help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
The controversy arises in the Wrigley's paid the ADA $36,000 to submit its studies material, spends $35,000 to $40,000 per year in promotion of the ADA and spends $25,000 to sponsor as ADA health screening program. This leads to potential bias in favor of those companies that can afford to "buy" the seal of approval.
Wrigley's has even set up an entire web site on the benefits of chewing gum called "Gum is Good".
[Source: CNN Money]
Comment Preview