Did you know there are other ways you can prevent tooth decay besides brushing, flossing, and rinsing every day? Well, it’s true, and one of the most unexpected ways of preventing cavities is by chewing sugarless gum.
Chewing gum is extremely beneficial because it increases the amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is a beneficial liquid that coats and protects your smile. As you chew, the food remnants and other debris are washed from your smile and the saliva neutralizes the oral acids that erode your teeth. Saliva also eliminates oral bacteria and it strengthens your tooth enamel with its many nutrients, like calcium, fluoride, and phosphates. Without saliva, your smile is vulnerable to many dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease.
So yes, chewing gum is extremely beneficial for your smile. Studies have shown that if you chew gum for 20 minutes after you eat, the chances of developing tooth decay are reduced. But, in order to help your smile, you also need to make sure you are chewing the right kind of gum. Before you put the chewing stick in your mouth, make sure it’s sugarless and approved by the American Dental Association.
Chewing gum should never replace your oral hygiene routine, but it can definitely add to the protection and cleaning of your smile. If you would like to know more about dental care, cavity prevention, and chewing gum, call our office today. We look forward to talking with you!