Your mom probably told you to stop chewing gum when you were a kid. Of course, “back in the day” most chewing gums had sugar in them. Sugary foods aren’t good for your teeth, especially if you don’t brush and floss every day.
But modern chewing gum comes in all types of flavors and varieties. Most of them are sugar-free. In today’s FAQ from Parkcrest Dental Group, we answer the question, “Can chewing gum actually help your teeth?”
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Yes, It Can
In short, chewing gum can help your teeth. But it depends on what kind of chewing gum you use. The key is to find chewing gum with the right ingredients.
Sugar-Free Gum
Most chewing gum you find in stores is sugar-free. Popular brands typically contain xylitol, aspartame, and/or sucralose. Stevia offers a natural sweetener that’s an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Xylitol
Xylitol tastes like sugar but is low glycemic. It also has the benefit of inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, one of the bacteria that cause cavities when they ferment in the mouth. Strep bacteria lose their ability to adhere to teeth in the presence of xylitol.
Why Chewing Gum Helps Your Teeth
Chewing gum distributes saliva evenly throughout your mouth. Your natural saliva helps to wash away bacteria and acid that coat your teeth. Chewing gum can wash away food particles thanks to 10 times the normal rate of saliva flow. Combine saliva with xylitol, and you can help give your oral hygiene a boost.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
The American Dental Association has given its Seal of Acceptance for five sugar-free chewing gum products. Look for this seal when you purchase chewing gum at the store.
Related Post: Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?
Dental Care Tips by Parkcrest Dental Group
The staff at Parkcrest Dental Group wants you and your family to have the best oral hygiene possible. Our staff can recommend other products that help your teeth, as well as tips and tricks for giving your enamel a boost. Contact Parkcrest Dental Group online or call (417) 887-1220 for more information.
