Can Chewing Gum Help Your Oral Health?
Would you believe us if we told you that chewing gum could be good for your oral health? While we aren’t referring to sugary gum like Hubba Bubble or Bubble Yum, sugar-free chewing gum can be beneficial to your oral health. Many people consider chewing gum a form of candy, so they don’t chew it as often as they probably should. Chewing gum actually helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
How Does Sugar-Free Gum Benefit Teeth?
Every time you eat, food and bacteria linger on your teeth and remain in your mouth. Ideally, it would be fantastic if everyone brushed and flossed their teeth after each meal. We know that is not possible, especially with busy work and school schedules. When food lingers on your teeth and along the gumline for an extended period of time, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease to develop. If brushing your teeth is not an immediate option, chewing sugar-free gum is a wonderful alternative.
Chewing gum for approximately twenty minutes immediately after a meal increases saliva production. The American Dental Association even has a seal of approval on certain sugar-free gum products to ensure consumers that the product has met the appropriate criteria. It is surprising all of the benefits sugar-free gum can have for your oral health:
- Helps to alleviate dry mouth
- Freshens breath
- Lowers acidity
- Strengthens enamel
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
Always keep in mind that sugar-free gum should never be a substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth. It is important to remain diligent with your oral health, including your routine oral hygiene examination appointments. If you or a loved one is in need of an appointment, now is the perfect time before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season arrives. Be sure to contact our office, which is located in Terre Haute, IN, to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
