Can Chewing Gum Benefit My Oral Health?

Have you ever been at a grocery store checkout line and noticed the variety of sugarless gum on the shelf? Since they’re sweet, you probably think they could be bad for your grin. But what if you were told that these gums could actually help clean your teeth? In fact, chewing some could also maintain a strong smile by preventing tooth decay and cavities. Keep reading to learn how chewing one of your favorite treats can help benefit your oral health!

Benefit #1: Gum Promotes Saliva Flow

One of the best ways your mouth keeps itself clean is through saliva flow. The production of saliva helps to wash away bacteria and debris from collecting on your teeth, which in turn protects them from decay and cavities. It is also a natural neutralizer of acid by-products that can attack and wear down the enamel.

You typically increase saliva flow whenever you eat so you can chew and swallow food. However, chewing gum can also encourage saliva production in between meals, providing you extra opportunities to get rid of the acids from the previous meal. 

Benefit #2: Gum Can Clean Teeth

In addition to stimulating saliva flow, chewing gum also helps to remove food matter that are stuck between your teeth. Doing so prevents the particles from becoming worse and causing tooth decay in the future. Of course, this shouldn’t take you away from brushing and flossing every day. It’s simply a beneficial treat until your next cleaning session.

Benefit #3: Certain Gums Help Strengthen Tooth Enamel

Some gum manufacturers are starting to add phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), or Recaldent. This ingredient is stated to help strengthen and re-mineralize the enamel of teeth, making it tougher and more likely to resist tooth decay.

Benefit #4: With Xylitol, You Won’t Risk Cavities

Sugarless gums are able to remain sweet because of an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Since this component isn’t enough fuel for bacteria growth, these types of gums can help protect against cavity-causing bacteria. With a multitude of sugar-free brands, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweet treat without increasing your risk of cavities.

As long as you use the sugarless kind, chewing gum can actually be a great benefit for keeping your smile clean and healthy. If you want to know which gums would make the best choice for preserving good oral health, talk with your dentist and they’ll be happy to help!

About the Practice

Wethersfield Dental Group provides outstanding and enthusiastic dental services for all patients in Wethersfield, CT and the surrounding neighborhoods. With their advanced technology and multiple dental treatments, they’ll provide expert care and guidance for maintaining a healthy smile. If you want to know more about the benefits of chewing gum, visit their website or call (860) 400-3007.