It’s true! Chewing gum- the right kind of gum- can actually help to prevent tooth decay! Contrary to popular belief, chewing gum has been approved by the ADA as beneficial in the fight against cavities.
Talk to Dr. Tara Levesque-Vogel, Dr. Keith M. Levesque, and Dr. Adrian J. Levesque Jr. at your next visit to our Nashua, NH, family dentist office to find out which sugar-free gum is recommended for helping to keep your teeth clean! Forget what mom always told you. Go ahead and chew that gum!
Why?
Chewing gum after eating helps increase the flow of saliva, which washes away the cavity, creating particles and bacteria that could build up on and between your teeth. Increased saliva flow also carries calcium and phosphate that help strengthen tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel and less build-up mean fewer cavities and healthier teeth!
What?
Make sure that the gum is sugar-free! Sugared gums increase saliva flow, but the excess amounts of sugar are still detrimental to your oral health. Sugar actually promotes plaque bacteria buildup. Oral bacteria feeds on the sugar, helping it multiply faster. Check gum packages for the ADA seal.
Then, you’ll know you are chewing the best gum for your dental hygiene. All gums with the ADA seal contain artificial sweeteners that do not promote cavity-causing agents. The ADA seal is the only way you can be assured the gum is sugar-free and will help, not hurt your healthy smile.
When?
Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating has been clinically tested and proven to help prevent tooth decay. However, never let chewing gum replace your regular oral hygiene routine.
Chewing sugarless gum should be used intermittently in your dental health regimen as an additional way to help maintain oral hygiene. Chewing gum can not replace brushing, flossing, or your regular visits to the dentist.
So treat your “sweet tooth” to some ADA-certified sugar-free gum! If you have any questions about the benefits of gum, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
It‘s always recommended to consult with Levesque Family Dentistry before starting any new dental regimen. Regular visits with us are the best way to maintain oral health and catch serious oral diseases early to avoid painful and lengthy procedures.