Hello gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help safeguard your smile from cavities?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be helpful in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that cut down plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes cavities.
So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Doctor Russell Anderson of Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and Invisalign. If you have any questions about how to upgrade your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our innovative cosmetic dental care such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 770-419-2535.
Call our welcoming team today for an appointment!
Contact Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry:
770-419-2535
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1415 Wooten Lake Rd NW Ste 300
Kennesaw, Georgia
30144
