Chewing Gum and Helping Prevent Cavities!
Believe it or not, chewing sugarless gums has some great benefits for your teeth!
- The act of chewing – helps wash away plaque/debris and bacteria from the enamel of the teeth.
- Increases saliva flow –neutralizing acids in the mouth when the saliva flow increases.
Chewing gum that contains Xylitol is even more beneficial as it reduces cavity causing bacteria by stopping the growth of Streptococcus mutans, one of the oral bacteria that cause cavities. Overtime, when gum containing Xylitol is used regularly, it can decrease the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Although chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for most people, anyone with jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) should refrain from chewing gum.
Talk to your dentist about options that are recommended for you. Chewing gum should never replace the act of flossing and brushing, but is a good addition to your daily routine when brushing and flossing is not an option.
