Many people enjoy chewing gum now and then. Many even chew gum after every meal to freshen their breath. There have been mixed reports regarding gum chewing. Some say chewing gum is good for your teeth. Others say chewing gum is bad for your teeth and can cause cavities. Gum chewing has been said to increase saliva flow which is a good thing, and it can also decrease stress, as well as help pop your ears when they are plugged. So maybe gum chewing isn’t all bad? Read on to find out whether to chew or not to chew.
Is Chewing Gum good for your teeth?
The latest information regarding gum chewing is that it can be good for you and bad for you depending on what type of gum you chew. Sugary gums can promote tooth decay, whereas, sugar-free gums can help prevent it. According to studies, chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help neutralize the acids released by harmful bacteria when metabolizing sugars and starches left on your teeth. These acids break down tooth enamel contributing to decay.
What Kind of Gum Do You Chew?
Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol is an added bonus. Xylitol has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans a harmful oral bacteria that causes cavities and contributes to periodontal disease.
Chewing gum increases saliva flow
Sugar free chewing gum will stimulate saliva flow ten-fold. Saliva helps clean your teeth by washing away bacteria and food debris while helping to neutralize the acids in your mouth.
Come learn all the healthy habits that lead to good dental health
There are many preventative pathways to a healthy mouth including building good hygiene habits. They all serve to prevent cavities and yield a healthy smile.
Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is a former adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.