Chewing gum is a habit many of us love and while the gum we like tastes great, can it actually help clean your mouth? It’s natural to assume that gum falls into the same category as candy, which means it’s damaging and harmful to your teeth but the reality is that’s not necessarily the case. While it may sound too good to be true, the surprising truth is that there are certain chewing gums that are good for your teeth.
You don’t need to look for a specific type of gum that claims to fight cavities because any sugarless gum can help clean your teeth. If you’re interested in improving your oral health, go ahead and chew any type of regular sugar-free gum because it will help prevent cavities. The reason chewing gum is able to do this is because of its ability to remove food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. In addition to this, the act of chewing also helps stimulate an increased production of saliva, which is important because this will help clear away foods and strengthen your teeth all while reducing the levels of acid in your mouth that can result in tooth decay.
If you can get your hands on gum that contains a sugar replacement called Xylitol, then chewing it will be even more effective and decrease the possibility of a cavity. This natural sweetener is known to reduce the amount of bacteria in a person’s mouth, meaning there is a much less chance of a cavity developing as the bacteria that causes it will be eliminated. Sugar produces and encourages bacteria if it is left on teeth, but this ingredient does not serve as fuel for such organisms, resulting in a decrease of bacteria and a lot less damage to your teeth.
There are some types of gum that even aim to harden tooth enamel and this is possible through the addition of certain substances being added to gum products whose goal is to re-mineralize and harden the enamel of a tooth. This is a huge bonus because chewing this gum will not only make your teeth stronger, it will also decrease the chances of your teeth suffering from decay.
With all of these benefits that come along with chewing gum, you just may want to reach for a pack the next time you’re in line at a store. If you’re still unsure about gum and its effects, feel free to discuss all of your concerns with Appleby Dental. Burlington, this dental office will take care of you and your family’s oral health needs so that you all walk away with bright smiles. For a dentist that cares, contact Appleby Dental today!