title: Oral health promotion: the economic benefits to the NHS of increased use of sugarfree gum in the UK.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effect of sugarfree gum (SFG) on the prevention of dental caries has been established for some time. With increased constraints placed on healthcare budgets, the importance of economic considerations in decision-making about oral health interventions has increased. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential cost savings in dental care associated with increased levels of SFG usage.
  
  
  METHODS
  The analysis examined the amount of money which would hypothetically be saved if the UK 12-year-old population chewed more SFG. The number of sticks chewed per year and the caries risk reduction were modelled to create a dose response curve. The costs of tooth restoration, tooth extraction in primary care settings and under general anaesthetic were considered, and the effects of caries reduction on these costs calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  If all members of the UK 12-year-old population chewed SFG frequently (twice a day), the potential cost savings for the cohort over the course of one year were estimated to range from £1.2 to £3.3 million and if they chewed three times a day, £8.2 million could be saved each year. Sensitivity analyses of the key parameters demonstrated that cost savings would still be likely to be observed even in scenarios with less significant increases in SFG use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that if levels of SFG usage in the teenage population in the UK could be increased, substantial cost savings might be achieved.
authors: York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NQ.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Claxton
authors: York Health Economics Consortium, Enterprise House, Innovation Way, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5NQ.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Taylor
authors: Plymouth University, Peninsula Dental School, John Bull Building, Tamar Science Park, Research Way, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8BU.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Kay
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002638:Chewing Gum / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D017046:Cost Savings / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009909:Oral Health / Q000191:economics*; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D002638:Chewing Gum