Many people chew gum daily. It is estimated that the average American chews over a pound of gum each year, but is chewing gum good or bad for your dental health? The answer lies in what type of gum you are chewing. Here’s what you need to know.
Types of Chewing Gum
There are different types of chewing gum, and not all of them are good for your dental health. Gum that contains sugar is very bad for your oral health because it leaves a film of sugar on your teeth that can lead to plaque buildup or tooth decay. The answer is to choose sugar free gum, but not all sugar free gum is created equally.
Some sugar free gum is sweetened with artificial sweeteners that can also be harmful to your teeth or your overall health. The best type of sugar free gum to chew is the type sweetened with xylitol, as this is a natural sweetener that is found in fruits and the human body. This is the only type of gum that is healthy and beneficial for your dental health.
Health Benefits of Chewing Gum
If you chew the right gum, it has some amazing benefits for your dental health. Chewing gum can help the body produce saliva, which rinses food particles, film, and bacteria from the teeth and gums. Chewing gum can also help neutralize the acids from foods so that they do not cause damage to the teeth. Chewing gum when you can’t brush after meals and snacks is a great way to clean your teeth and mouth while on the go.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of gum chewing, or if you want information about how to choose the right gum, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
