According to the Simmons National Consumer Survey, about 165 million North Americans chewed gum in 2019. Little did they know that they were doing their teeth and gums a massive favor, especially when they purchased gum that was sugar-free. If you can’t go a day or two without breaking out a piece of chewing gum, your addiction is doing you more good than harm (yes, you heard that correctly). Read on to learn how, unlike most candy, chewing gum can do wonders for your dental care in Brampton.
A Natural Brush For Your Teeth
Before you read all of these amazing facts about chewing gum, it’s important to realize that the only way it can optimize your oral health is if you’re still diligent about brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, and visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. In addition to all of these great habits, sugar-free gum can help naturally scrub away food particles and plaque from your teeth, reducing your risk of developing oral health problems. Not to mention, it’s also known to boost your saliva production. Because your saliva has the power to neutralize enamel-eroding acids in your mouth, producing more of it provides your teeth and gums with more protection from cavities and decay.
Anti-Cavity Ingredients Found In Gum
Even if you love sweets, you’ll like sugar-free gum. It contains an artificial sweetener known as Xylitol that is extracted from birch wood and is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. It’s commonly used in sugar-free chewing gums, mints, and other candies.
Xylitol doesn’t just help crave your sweet tooth without ruining your oral health. It is also added to dental care products to protect teeth from decay and dry mouth, which can lead to an accumulation of harmful oral bacteria. While Xylitol tastes sweet, unlike sugar, harmful oral bacteria can’t convert it into acids that lead to enamel erosion. Instead, it helps control and reduce the buildup of decay-causing bacteria found in your saliva and plaque.
Some Brands of Chewing Gums Can Even Strengthen Your Enamel
Enamel erosion unfortunately happens over time, leaving your pearly whites vulnerable against harmful oral bacteria and common oral health problems. However, some chewing gum companies are starting to add a unique dental material called Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, also known as CPP-ACP. It’s a milk product that helps rebuild your tooth enamel and protect you from cavity formation. The material binds with your enamel to make it stronger.
Some chewing gum and dental hygiene product companies are realizing just how beneficial this substance is, which is why they’re beginning to include it into their products to help re-mineralize enamel and prevent the formation of common oral health problems.
Sometimes regular brushing and flossing aren’t enough. Fortunately, there are easy ways to optimize your oral health that require little to no effort on your part. If you’d like to ward off cavities and harmful oral bacteria, simply keep a pack of sugar-free chewing gum in your car, bedroom, and at your desk at work.
About the Author
Dr. Vince Fava has been helping his patients maintain healthy and happy smiles for over 24 years. He has completed advanced training and continuing education to provide his patients with high-quality and amazing dental healthcare. He enjoys giving his patients the tools and knowledge they need to enjoy their smiles for the rest of their lives. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Torbram Dental’s website or call 905-792-7163.