KEY POINTS:
Defence Force personnel are getting armour-plated teeth, thanks to the addition of anti-cavity chewing gum in every ration pack.
The gum, made in Japan and available only through dentists, contains calcium-rich milk protein that re-calcifies teeth and heals small lesions, preventing major dental work.
Force dental specialists had noticed that the standard of dental health soon deteriorated after young people entered the services, New Zealand Defence Force Update said.
It could be due to a decreased ability or inclination to brush teeth when deployed in the field, dental services head Major Andrew Gray said.
Initially, sugar-free gum was considered for ration packs, as it stimulated saliva and chewing helped clean teeth, he said.
Then, Australian research found the Japanese gum helped heal cavities, he said.
"It will only heal early stage holes, not big cavities," Maj Gray said.
"It's a preventative measure. We obviously still want our personnel to brush their teeth properly, but we also want to prevent fillings rather than have to treat them."
Two pieces of the gum are being added to every daily ration pack.
- NZPA
