Caring for your teeth goes beyond mere brushing and flossing. Your daily habits, environment, and diet all influence your oral health. At Walden Square Dental, we try to teach our patients about some of the minor positive changes they can make in their lives that will yield dramatic results. Today, we want to talk about whether or not chewing gum is good for your smile!
How to Safely Satisfy a Craving
Sometimes you’re craving something sweet and chewing gum seems like the perfect solution. However, gum containing sugar can increase your risk for developing cavities. But if you reach for a stick of gum that is sugar-free, you can actually help clean your teeth!
The Magic of Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates increased saliva flow, which can wash away food particles that stick to your teeth. Saliva also helps neutralize acids in your mouth before they can dissolve your enamel and increase your risk for cavities. Moreover, sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugarless sweetener, can be your mouth’s secret weapon. Xylitol limits certain cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth, which keeps them from breaking down sugars and producing enamel-damaging acid that cause decay.
When Chewing Gum Isn’t a Good Option
For patients who have temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) or other painful jaw conditions, chewing gum may not be a good choice. You can ask Dr. Clauser or any of our qualified team members whether they advise you to chew gum during your next visit!
Remember That Nothing Replaces Proper Preventive Care!
While chewing gum can help keep your teeth healthy, it is no substitute for an excellent preventive care routine. Be sure to brush twice daily for two minutes each time, brush your tongue daily, floss every day, and visit our office biannually for cleanings and exams. To ask us any questions about chewing gum or your oral care routine, or to schedule your next visit, contact our office today!
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