Sugar-Free Chewing Gum May improve Oral Health Related QoL After Orthodontic Separators placement: Study
Researchers have found in a new research that although sugar-free chewing gum does not significantly reduce orthodontic pain, it may lessen the impact of pain on oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) after separator placement and potentially reduce the need for analgesics.
A study was done to investigate the effectiveness of sugar-free chewing gum on pain reduction in orthodontic patients after placement of separators and initial archwires, and to compare the impact of pain on daily functions between patients using and not using chewing gum. A total of 93 patients were randomized into the intervention group (n = 47, mean age = 22.62 ± 4.73) and the control group (n = 46, mean age = 21.88 ± 5.79). The patients completed a set of questionnaires at three different time points (6 h, 24 h, and 48 h) after the placement of separators and initial archwires. Numerical rating scales (NRS) were used to assess the intensity of pain. The impact on orthodontic pain towards patients’ oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was recorded.
While sugar-free chewing gum may not significantly reduce orthodontic pain, it could help mitigate the pain’s impact on OHRQoL after separators’ placement, potentially reducing the need for analgesics.
Reference:
Poon, P., Othman, S. & Mohd Yusof, Z. Impact of using chewing gum on orthodontic pain relief after separators and initial archwires placement. J Orofac Orthop (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00056-025-00642-6
Keywords:
Sugar-Free, Chewing Gum, improve, Oral Health, Related, QoL, After, Orthodontic, Separators, placement, Study, Poon, P., Othman, S. & Mohd Yusof, Z, Fixed orthodontic appliances, Analgesics, Pain perception, Numerical rating scale, Oral health-related quality of life
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.