 Show Chewing gum can be fun, especially the bubble blowing kind. Some chewing gums are bad for your teeth and others can improve your dental health. When it comes to chewing gum, it's the type that you chew that makes all the difference to your teeth.
Regular GumRegular gum contains sugar and should be thought of like all other sugary treats. They increase the likelihood of cavities as your teeth are being exposed to sugar over a longer period than just at meal times. These gums may be fun but
you should look for an alternative gum as we will now discuss. Examples: Hubba Bubba, Juicy Fruit, Wrigley's PK, Gobstoppers
Sugar-Free GumNow for the good news - Studies have now shown that chewing on sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating a meal or a snack reduces the chances of dental cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production which rinses off the teeth and removes food particles from the teeth, the saliva also helps neutralise acid that is released by the bacteria in plaque. Examples: Airwaves, Tic Tac Gum, Eclipse
Xylitol GumsChewing gum can be even more effective at preventing cavities if the sugar replacement is Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occuring sweetener that inhibits the growth of Strepococcus mutans, this is one of the bacteria that cause cavities. When Xylitol is present in the mouth, the bacteria that cause cavities cannot attach onto the teeth stopping the cavity causing process. Over time the use of these gums can change the types of bacteria present in the mouth and then further reduces the chances of dental cavities. Examples: Extra Gum, Mentos Pure Gum
Caesin GumSome gum manufacturers are also adding Caesin phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to their products. This product remineralises and strengthens the tooth making them even more resistant to dental cavities. This is especially useful for patients who seem to need fillings all the time. CPP-ACP is a naturally occuring protein which delivers calcium and phosphate ions into the tooth, repairing and strengthening areas of enamel which have been previously damaged by plaque bacteria. Examples: Recaldent
When you should not be chewing gum?Chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial to more people there are a few who chewing gum is not recommended. For example if you are experiencing and jaw pain or temporomanibular joint disorders (TMD/TMJ) you should refrain from chewing gum and talk to your dentist to discuss what options are available to you. REMEMBER: If you have any questions regarding the use of chewing gums or your dental health contact me today. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/nature">Nature photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com</a> Is sugarChewing sugarless gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay. American Dental Association. Oral Health Topic: Anthropology and Dentistry. 2020.
Which sugarIf you're going to chew gum, make sure it's gum that is sugar-free. Choose a gum containing xylitol, as it reduces the bacteria that cause cavities and plaque. Brands that are the best are Pür, XyloBurst, Xylitol, Peppersmith, Glee Gum, and Orbit.
What are the benefits of sugarMost dentists agree that chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for about twenty minutes after every meal promotes saliva production, helps clean the teeth of excess food particles and acids, and can play a significant role in helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Why do dentists recommend chewing sugarStudies conducted by the American Dental Association have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals will help to neutralize and wash off all the acids in your mouth. The act of chewing stimulates saliva production, while the flavors in the artificial sweeteners give the person's saliva production a huge boost.
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Is sugar-free gum good for your teeth
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