When you were a kid you may have been told that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. Well, it all depends on whether the gum is sugar-less or sugar-containing. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum after meals can actually be good for your teeth by helping to prevent tooth decay. The secret is that it must be sugarless and, to be sure that it is, it should be approved by the ADA (American Dental Association).
Why?
There are several reasons why chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals helps prevent tooth decay, and it all has to do with saliva:
- Sugarless gums approved by the ADA are flavored with non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol.
- Saliva flow is increased when you chew gum. The extra saliva helps wash away sugars, food, and bacteria that can cause decay.
- Saliva neutralizes the acids produced by harmful oral bacteria.
- Saliva provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.
- Increased saliva flow means increased calcium and phosphates which remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel.
About Your Birmingham, MI, Dentist
Dr. Mitchell Milan is a cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentist whose goal is to enhance your smile and improve your dental health. Celebrating his 31st year in practice and 28 years serving the Birmingham community, Dr. Milan and his experienced staff offer porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns, bonding, root canals, gum disease treatment, and more. Take your first step toward smile improvement today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Milan by calling our office in Birmingham, MI today at (248) 644-2136.