How the Right Chewing Gum Supports Better Dental Health
About 160 million people in the U.S. chew gum each year, which is half of the population. But what do dentists say about chewing gum? Can it promote good oral health? We’re often asked about gum chewing in our Cincinnati family dental office. The good news is that gum chewing can be great for your teeth and gums—if you stick with the sugarless kind.
The American Dental Association (ADA) issues a Seal of Acceptance for certain types of sugarless chewing gum. Besides not containing sugar, ADA-approved gum is safe for oral tissues and meets other requirements, such as promoting remineralization of tooth enamel and reducing cavities, plaque acids, and gingivitis.
Here are several reasons why our professionals at Beckham Square Family Dental encourage the use of sugar-free gum:
It Promotes Salivation
One crucial reason chewing sugar-free gum is better for your teeth is that the physical act of chewing stimulates saliva production. A healthy amount of saliva coats your mouth, helping fight the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Increased salivary flow also helps neutralize and wash away acids produced when bacteria in plaque break down food.
It Satisfies Your Sweet Tooth
Since birth, our brains have naturally been programmed to crave sweets. Sugar and other carbohydrates boost the brain’s serotonin, the happy endorphin chemical that makes us feel good. That’s why we have sugar highs and sometimes develop sugar addictions. Eating too much sugar, of course, also feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and cavities.
The good news is you can satisfy your sweet tooth with sugar-free gum. Your brain will get the sweetness it craves without increasing your risk of cavities. Better yet, chewing gum helps to minimize the risk.
It Fights Cavities
The best sugar-free chewing gum for fighting cavities contains Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that actively decreases cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Unlike sugar, Xylitol doesn’t feed the bacteria that would otherwise thrive there. There is much evidence that it can reduce the risk of cavities.
Some Sugar-Free Gums Strengthen Tooth Enamel
Some gums contain a substance called casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), which can remineralize and harden tooth enamel. Known more commonly by its trademark name, Recaldent, it effectively strengthens your teeth by increasing the mineral content on the surface.
If you want an extra boost to your oral health, give sugar-free gum a try. Your teeth will be healthier as a result. Sugar-free gum is flavorful, relaxing, and great for your smile. If you love gum or need something healthy to chew on, ask your Cincinnati family dentist at Beckham Square Family Dental what kind they’d recommend. You can also set up your next appointment today by completing our online contact form
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