The Effect of Chewing Gum on the Pain Associated with Initial Placement of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effect of chewing gum on the pain associated with initial placement of fixed orthodontic appliances.

Sample population: Subjects were selected from the Department of Orthodontics, who wanted to undergo fixed orthodontic therapy.

Subjects and Methods: A randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups allocated to receive chewing gum after initial placement of their appliance or who were asked not to use Chewing (chewing) gum. Subjects completed a compliance form and visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the intensity of pain at 24hrs and after 1week following placement of the initial working archwire.

Results: Values are Median (Minimum– Maximum). P-value by Mann-Whitney U test (Un-paired analysis using non-parametric methodology). P-value < 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant.

1) 24-Hrs and 7-Days post treatment average pain scores differ significantly in Non-Chewing Study group (P-value < 0.001).
2)The average pain score after 24-Hrs is significantly higher in Non-Chewing Gum group (P-value < 0.001).
3) The average pain score after 7-Days is significantly higher in Non-Chewing Gum group compared to Chewing Gum group (P-value < 0.001).
4) The average change in pain score after 7-Days is significantly higher in Non-Chewing Gum group compared to Chewing Gum group (P-value < 0.001).

Conclusion: Chewing gum significantly decreased pain from the fixed appliances.