Chewing Gum That Won’t Derail Your Dental Health

Closeup of the mouth of a red-haired woman blowing a pink sugar-free gum bubble with xylitol

Do you like to chew gum? If your favorite chewing gum contains sugar, you are unnecessarily increasing your risk for cavities! Sugary gum sticks to your teeth, which invites the proliferation of plaque by feeding the bacteria in your mouth. But don’t feel discouraged—it is still possible to chew gum and protect your teeth. Read on to discover what kind of gum is not only safe to chew, but also benefits your oral health.

Which Chewing Gum Is Safe for My Teeth?

The American Dental Association (ADA) asserts that the physical action of chewing sugar-free gum for at least twenty minutes after eating can help to prevent tooth decay. This is due to the following reasons:

  1. Saliva
  2. Chewing gum stimulates the flow of saliva. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and neutralizes your mouth’s pH, protecting your teeth from damaging acids produced by bacteria. Saliva also carries phosphate and calcium, thus promoting remineralization of your teeth’s enamel. Double win!

  3. Xylitol
  4. Many sugar-free chewing gums are made with xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener that starves the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, stopping its growth.

Which Brand of Sugar-Free Gum Should I Chew?

Look for a sugar-free chewing gum that bears the ADA Seal. These products are scientifically tested and proven to be safe and effective at reducing the incidence of tooth decay. Check out this list of ADA approved sugar-free chewing gums!

Can I Chew Sugar-Free Gum Instead of Brushing My Teeth?

No! Regularly chewing sugar-free gum does not exempt you from daily brushing and flossing or biannual professional cleanings and checkups. A consistent oral hygiene routine is critical to maintaining exceptional oral health; chewing sugar-free gum is merely supplemental to your oral care and should never replace proper preventive dental care.

Let Arizona Biltmore Dentistry Help You Reach Your Smile Goals!

Whether your dreams include family, travel, a career, something else, or all of the above, it’s a safe bet the future you envision for yourself is one where you are happy. And what do happy people do? They smile! Although we don’t have a magic wand to make all your dreams come true, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Ask us for expert tips to improve your oral health or for information about our cosmetic dentistry services. Our team is here to answer all your dental-related questions, from chewing gum to tooth-friendly foods to fixing missing teeth, and more! Contact us today.

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