You may have seen a lot of advertisements claiming that chewing sugar-free gum is good for your oral health. Is it true or is it just another marketing gimmick? Well, chewing gum may help you prevent tooth decay by generating more saliva and washing away harmful cavity-causing bacteria, but make sure it’s sugar-free.
What does the research say?
Researchers have found that chewing sugar-free gum decreased the chance of tooth decay by approximately 28 percent. A 25-country study published in the American Journal of Dentistry shows that as part of the oral hygiene routine, chewing one piece of sugar-free gum will minimize global spending on treating tooth decay by $4.1 billion a year.
How does chewing sugar-free gum help your teeth?
Chewing sugar-free gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes the acids formed in the mouth by bacteria, and supplies the entire mouth with disease-fighting substances. Increased saliva flow also helps strengthen tooth enamel by bringing more calcium and phosphate with it.
When and how long should you chew sugar-free gum?
It is recommended to chew sugar-free gum after meals for about 20 minutes. The enamel of your tooth is at risk of an acid attack after food and drink. Usually, these acids hang around after a meal in the mouth for 20 minutes. Chewing sugar-free gum during this time can increase the flow of saliva and help replace the minerals more quickly.
A word of caution:
Never replace brushing and flossing with chewing sugarless gum. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and removing plaque with dental floss from between your teeth once a day is very important. Sugar-free gum chewing is merely a complementary activity.
Next time you buy gum, be sure to read the packet and always pick a sugar-free alternative with the ingredients that have been proven to combat plaque and tooth decay instead of reaching for an indulgent pack of gum that may hurt your teeth. You will be rewarded with good oral health.
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