Effect of Chewing Gum on Oral Mucositis in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background Oral mucositis is an adverse effect of&nbsp;chemotherapy. Type of chemotherapy&nbsp;regimen is the most important factor causing mucositis. Oral mucositis is usually&nbsp;associated with transient decrease in saliva&nbsp;production. The goal was to study effects of gum consumption on oral mucositis in&nbsp;children undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods This randomized controlled trial was done in&nbsp;Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran. 130&nbsp;children 5 to 15 years of age were studied. Control group was composed of 65 children&nbsp;who received mucotoxic drugs. Test group&nbsp;was made up of 65 patients received similar&nbsp;drugs in addition to sugar free gums.&nbsp;Patients consumed 6 pieces of gums per day&nbsp;for 15 days. A standardized follow up form&nbsp;and World Health Organization (WHO)&nbsp;grading system for oral mucositis were used&nbsp;for evaluation of patients during 15 days of&nbsp;treatment. Results Severe oral mucositis occurred in 30 (46%)&nbsp;of 65 patients in the test group and in 26 of&nbsp;65 (40%) patients in the control group. Difference was not statistically significant&nbsp;(P > 0.05). Rate of mild to moderate&nbsp;mucoitis (grade 1 and 2) was significantly&nbsp;lower in patients who used gums (15 % vs.&nbsp;35%, P < 0.05). Conclusion Our study showed that stimulation of saliva&nbsp;flow by chewing gum could decrease mild&nbsp;to moderate inflammatory injuries of the oral mucosa during chemotherapy.&nbsp;However, it was not effective to subside&nbsp;severe mucositis.