This viewpoint letter to the ADA News compares topical aspirin use to its primary subject, “acid candy” -- candy that uses large amounts of acids such as citric and ascorbic that became popular in the 1990s and 2000s.

From the article: “Dentistry has known for a long time that aspirin-gum and chewable vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used regularly will erode teeth.”

This statement stands in direct contrast to a passage from a 2006 ADA News article, "Chew on this: Love it or hate it, gum is here to stay" that states “Chewing gum boasts myriad potential medical benefits. It can conveniently deliver aspirin to headache sufferers ...“

The article appears on page 6. To skip to this page, type 6 in the black page number box at the top of the PDF.