I know what you’re thinking right now, and yes, it’s true. You can really prevent tooth decay by chewing gum. It’s that easy. It isn’t, however, a replacement for your oral hygiene routine, but it does help with tooth decay prevention.
Studies show that if you chew sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you eat a meal or snack, your chances of developing tooth decay are reduced. Because of the saliva produced in your mouth while chewing the gum, the food remnants and other debris are washed out of your mouth and the acids from the food are neutralized, which helps prevent erosion of the tooth enamel. Saliva also harbors nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel, like calcium, fluoride, and phosphates, and without saliva, your smile is vulnerable to many dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease.
The chewing motion is the best way to produce and create saliva, which is why chewing gum can be extremely beneficial for your smile, but remember to chew sugarless gum while you do so. Yes, flavored and sugared gum can create saliva, but it also inserts unhealthy sugars into your mouth, which is what the bacteria in your mouth use to create tooth decay. So, when choosing which gum to use to prevent tooth decay, choose sugarless gum that has been approved by the American Dental Association.
Learn more about preventing tooth decay with chewing gum by calling our office now! We are more than happy to help you understand the little tricks that save your smile every day.