At Dentistry by Angela Britt, we love to share tips and tricks that benefit your oral health. Did you know that sugar-free gum is an excellent tool to help your teeth and mouth when you are not immediately able to brush your teeth after eating? Many people consider sugar-free gum a form of candy and would never think of it as a tool to help their oral health. We do want to clarify though that sugar-free gum is beneficial, not chewing gum that is loaded with sugar.
Why is Sugar-Free Gum Beneficial?
Each time you eat, bacteria are introduced into your mouth. While eating, your body produces saliva to not only help you swallow your food, but also to naturally try to remove bacteria from inside your mouth. Even with the help of saliva, harmful bacteria will always remain in your mouth. This is one of the reasons we encourage our patients to drink plenty of water. Not only is water beneficial to your overall health, but it is a great tool for your oral health as well.
Ideally, it would be wonderful if everyone could brush their teeth every time after eating, but we know that is not always feasible. Sugar-free chewing gum is a way to help produce more saliva and remove additional lingering bacteria. In fact, if you look at your favorite sugar-free chewing gum, you will probably see a label stating that it is approved by the American Dental Association. Not only can sugar-free gum help remove lingering bacteria, but it can also help with the following:
- Help alleviate symptoms of dry mouth
- Freshen breath
- Lower acid levels in your mouth
- Strengthen enamel
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
The next time you are in the store, you should pick up some sugar-free gum for your oral health! Just a reminder, sugar-free gum is never a substitute for proper brushing and flossing. It is also important to remain diligent with your oral health, including your routine hygiene examination appointments. If you need a routine examination, or you think there might be an issue developing, please call our office located in Brunswick, GA to schedule an appointment. Happy Chewing!
