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 help protect your smile from tooth decay?
It depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can help remove 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 it also has antimicrobial properties that cut down plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause 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 ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, select a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Doctor Ronald Massie of Premier Dental & Oral Health Group. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. If you have any questions about how to improve your oral health, or if you would like details about any of our cutting-edge cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile redesigns, give us a call today at 573-365-0220.
Call our comprehensive team today for an appointment!
Contact Premier Dental & Oral Health Group:
573-365-0220
Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):
24 North Shore Dr.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
65049
