Hello gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help safeguard your smile from decay?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener that not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but also has antimicrobial properties that curtail plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes cavities.
So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the optimal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, decide on a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Dr. Craig Longenecker of Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS. We offer restorative dentistry, porcelain veneers, and dental implants. If you have any questions about how to upgrade your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our cutting-edge cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 410-357-0099.
Call our understanding team today for an appointment!
Contact Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS:
410-357-0099
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
16928 York Rd
Monkton, Maryland
21111
