Is Chewing Gum Beneficial To Your Oral Health?
At Parkside Dental Care, we love to share tips and tricks for better oral health and to prevent tooth decay and other problems with your teeth and mouth. Did you know that chewing gum can be beneficial to your oral health? You may think that we have gone crazy, but it’s true. Many people would consider chewing gum a form of candy, so they don’t chew it as often as they probably should. We do want to clarify that sugar-free gum is beneficial, not gum that is loaded with sugar.
How Sugar-Free Gum is Beneficial
Each time you eat, your mouth produces saliva. Saliva is necessary to help rid the mouth of harmful bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Even with the help of saliva, there is still a certain amount of harmful bacteria that remains in the mouth. Drinking water while eating is also another helpful tip to assist in the removal of bacteria, but many people do not have the habit of drinking water while they eat. Ideally, it would be wonderful if everyone could brush their teeth each time after eating, but we know that is not always feasible. Chewing gum is a way to help produce more saliva and remove additional lingering bacteria. In fact, the American Dental Association even has a seal of approval on certain sugar-free gum products to reassure consumers that the product meets the appropriate criteria.
- Chewing sugar-free gum can also:
- Help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth
- Freshen breath
- Lower acid levels in your mouth
- Strengthen enamel
- Decrease tooth sensitivity
Just a reminder, sugar-free gum is never a substitute for taking care of 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 Montgomery, AL to schedule an appointment. Happy Chewing!
