What Interesting Impact Does Chewing Gum Have On Your Dental Health?
Everyone loves to chew gum. In fact, kids in North America spend nearly half a billion dollars on chewing gum each year. But what are the side effects of chewing gum on your oral health? Is it helpful or harmful? Actually, it can be both. The effects depend on what kind of gum you chew.
The Truth About Sugary Gum
Gum that contains large amounts of sugar is overall more harmful to your teeth than beneficial. Chewing gum with sugar excessively may be harmful, as the sugar can stick to your teeth, attracting plaque. However, removing the sugary gum from your mouth too soon may also increase the likelihood of cavities.
If you are going to chew sugar gum, you should chew it for at least 15-20 minutes, according to World Dental. At this point, the sugar in the gum is gone, and the remaining sugar on your teeth can be washed away from the increased saliva production from the gum.
Now Compare Sugar-Free Gum Research
Chewing sugar-free gum, on the other hand, actually benefits oral health in many ways, no matter how long you chew it. For example:
- Freshens breath
- Prevents dry mouth
- Neutralizes acids formed from bacteria in your mouth
- Reduces plaque
- Reduces gingivitis for healthy gums
This is primarily due to the fact that chewing gum increases saliva production. Saliva is one of the most important components of Oral Surgery. Not only does it neutralize the acids in your mouth that, over time, can wear away tooth enamel and cause erosion. Saliva contains calcium that can actually help strengthen enamel.
The sticky surface of gum also helps reduce plaque without leaving a residue. This consequently helps with the prevention of cavities and gingivitis. And other resulting dental problems, such as toothaches.
Bottom Line Not A Substitute
Though chewing gum can benefit your oral health, it is by no means a replacement for regular daily hygiene. Chewing gum in place of brushing and flossing would not be beneficial. Brushing twice and flossing once daily is recommended to remove plaque effectively. However, it is clinically proven that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can further help prevent decay.
Chewing gum can be very beneficial to your mouth as long as it is done in conjunction with standard oral health care.
The ADA even released a seal of approval, which has been given to some gum brands to show that that brand of gum is effective in improving oral health. So look for the ADA Seal next time you buy a pack of gum to ensure that it is a healthy choice.
Your best bet would be to contact your oral health practitioner for advice. Genis Dental offers a variety of services, including fillings, crowns, dentures, root canals, and more. We also provide an online appointment scheduling option for patients to access. So contact our Dentist In Bucks County today at 267-988-4586!