We’ve all been there: You’re about to go in for a job interview or a first date, but your breath smells. What should you do? Just chew some minty gum and you’re good to go, right? Maybe not. Recently, chewing gum has become a point of contention. Is chewing gum actually bad for your teeth? Let’s find out.
Is Gum Bad for My Teeth?
Let’s cut to the chase, is chewing gum bad for your oral health? In short, the answer is no. As long as you’re not chewing on sugary gum, the opposite is actually true. Many types of chewing gum are actually good for your teeth. How? Let’s dive a little deeper.
Chewing Gum Helps Produce Saliva
Did you know that your saliva is extremely important for your oral health? Saliva helps to keep your teeth clean and wash out particles that may be stuck from meals. Gum is great at getting your mouth to produce saliva. Chewing gum after meals is especially beneficial.
Chewing Gum is a Workout for Your Jaw
You may think that chewing gum too much can cause jaw pain. If you have TMJ or are at risk of developing it, this might be the case. Otherwise, this shouldn’t be a problem. Your jaw, just like any other muscle, benefits from exercise. Chewing gum helps to give your jaw regular exercise, helping to strengthen it.
Xylitol Can Help with Tooth Decay
A common ingredient in sugar-free gum is xylitol. Xylitol is used to naturally sweeten the gum. Xylitol not only makes your gum more flavorful, it also helps to fight cavity-causing bacterias. Look for gums that have xylitol listed in the ingredients when you’re choosing a pack from the store.
You Can Chew Enamel-Strengthening Gum
We’ve mentioned how important enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is before. There are actually some types of gum available that are formulated to help strengthen tooth enamel. If you really want to help your teeth, seek this type of gum out.
Choose Parkcrest Dental Group as Your Dentist in Springfield, MO
Keep in mind, as with anything, gum is best chewed in moderation. If you have more questions about chewing gum, you can always ask your dentist at Parkcrest Dental Group. Remember, chewing gum is not a replacement for your typical oral health routine, make sure you’re still brushing and flossing twice a day. For more information about Parkcrest Dental Group and to schedule an appointment with us, contact us today.
