Many people just see gum as a good way to freshen their breath. How could you expect this stuff to do anything more to help you? Even so, the truth is a bit more surprising: chewing gum is good for your oral health. By popping the right kind in your mouth, you keep your smile safer from harm. To learn more, read this helpful summary on the matter from your local Big Pine Key dentist.
(Good) Chewing Gum Helps Your Smile
To be honest, gum is more than a mere breath freshener. Chewing it can actually help you prevent cases of tooth decay and cavities.
The reason comes down to your saliva. Chewing gum makes your mouth produce more of this liquid, neutralizing the acids that form when you break down food. A two-year gum study on European children supports this fact; it showed that kids who chewed a certain gum had a much lower rate of tooth decay. In other words, just chewing gum can make your mouth less acidic and less likely to suffer cavities.
Given the points above, try chewing some gum after a meal. It’d likely protect your teeth from acids and promote oral health.
Which Chewing Gum is Best?
Of course, not all gum is created equal; some types are better than others. You’ll need to chew the right kind to enjoy any smile-enhancing effects.
You should chew sugarless gum to prevent cavities. If you chew a sugar-filled kind, its sweet carbs will overwhelm your saliva and raise your risk of tooth decay. As for good examples of sugar-free gum, try talking to your local dentist; they’ll likely have suggestions.
If you’re uncertain about which gum to pick, find brands with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Those with this marking have demonstrated that they’re safe for smiles.
Other Ways to Improve Your Oral Health
As great as it may be, don’t forget: Sugarless gum isn’t a substitute for regular oral care. You should also protect your smile by doing the following:
- Brush & Floss Every Day – By brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits – Smoking tobacco puts you at significant risk of gum disease, and chewing hard objects (pencils, ice cubes, etc.) can chip and crack your teeth.
- See Your Dentist Often – Get dental checkups every six months or so. Through these visits, your dentist can detect, diagnose, and treat oral problems before they worsen.
Good chewing gum is good for your oral health, so take advantage of that fact. Find the right piece and start using it!
About the Practice
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys is based in Big Pine Key, FL. Led by Drs. Amanda Cobb and Dan Mezor, our practice is a haven for smiles of all ages. We offer the best preventive, cosmetic, and restorative oral treatments, all tailored to each patient’s specific wants and needs. This approach ensures our team is always ready to help your grin thrive! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (305)-680-1553.