Can Chewing Gum Help Your Oral Health?
For years, you have heard about the negative effect candy can have on your teeth. With Halloween at the end of the month, there are endless amounts of candy in every store. Many people would consider chewing gum a form of candy, so they don’t chew it as often as they probably should. Would you believe us if we told you sugar-free gum can be beneficial to your oral health? Chewing gum can help prevent the development of tooth decay and cavities. Unfortunately, you have to leave the sugar-filled gum options behind and opt for a sugar-free choice.
How Does Sugar-Free Gum Benefit Teeth?
Each time you eat, there is lingering food and bacteria that remain in your mouth. It stays on your teeth, between your teeth, and along the gumline. Over time, it develops into tooth decay and gum disease. To help combat this problem, our first recommendation after eating a meal would be to brush your teeth, but we know that is not always possible, especially if you are working or out to dinner. In lieu of brushing your teeth, if it is not an immediate option, chewing sugar-free gum is a wonderful alternative. Chewing gum for approximately twenty minutes immediately following a meal can help increase saliva production. The American Dental Association even has a seal of approval on certain sugar-free gum products to reassure consumers that the product has met the appropriate criteria.
Chewing sugar-free gum can also:
- Help to alleviate symptoms of dry mouth
- Freshen breath
- Lower acid levels in your mouth
- Strengthen enamel
- Decrease tooth sensitivity
As mentioned above, sugar-free gum is never a substitute for properly caring for your teeth. It is important to remain diligent with your oral health, including your routine hygiene examination appointments. If you need a routine examination or you think there might be an issue developing, please call our office located in Phoenix, AZ to schedule an appointment.
