Hello gum chewers, The Yuma Dentist is going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help protect your smile from cavities?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener that not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but also has antimicrobial properties that diminish plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, opt for a sugarless gum with xylitol.
At The Yuma Dentist, we offer general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.
Contact Yuma Family Dentist:
928-783-0804
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1630 S Pacific Ave Ste 104
Yuma, AZ
85365
