Chewing gums are seen very often on convenience stores, grocery stores, and even pharmacies that it’s hard not to pick up and chew one. This has become one of the American favorites that also caused a lot of tooth decay cases all over the country. This popular habit got people of different age groups hooked and it can potentially cause a lot of problems on your dental and oral health.
In regards to your oral health, the type of chewing gum makes all the difference. Most of these products are loaded with heaps of sugar that give chewing gum that sweet taste. More sugar can be tasty but this would also mean that it damages the teeth more. The sugar-free type on the other hand, proves to have benefits that your oral health will definitely need especially the ones sweetened with xylitol. Sugar –free gums doesn’t have sugar and is flavored and sweetened by xylitol that gives off sweetness over a period of time.
Here are the benefits in chewing sugar-free gums that your teeth will thank you for.
Cleanse your mouth. People often chew gum after a snack or a meal. This habit encourages the saliva production of your salivary glands that washes away and neutralizes the acids produced by the plaque-causing bacteria in your mouth. The simple act of chewing together with the natural sweetener xylitol can definitely help clean your teeth and mouth. It is handy and helpful in times when you can’t brush your teeth.
Prevent tooth decay and cavities. The acid level in your mouth rises right after you eat. This is because of the bacteria that feed off of the food particles left in your mouth. These bacteria attack your teeth and gums by producing acid that weaken and erodes your tooth’s hard covering called the enamel. Washing away these bacteria make your teeth free from attack and potential damage that can cause tooth decay. You can think of saliva and xylitol as the protective film that shields your teeth from tooth decay and cavities.
Preventing dental erosion. Chewing sugar-free gums can help you fight off bacteria and prevent damage to your tooth’s enamel. The enamel becomes weak after eating, your tooth’s enamel becomes weak and at risk of erosion. Mastication through chewing gum allows saliva to flow and let your enamel recover from the acidic foods, drinks and the attack of bacteria.
It should be put in mind that chewing gum should not take the place of brushing, flossing and the use of mouthwash. Your dental health habits should coincide with your dental hygiene practices. Chewing gum is just a preventive measure from the effects of eating acidic or sweet foods. It is important that you stick to your daily dental routine and visit your dentist regularly. Dentists in Chicago can give you advice on which type of chewing gum is bad for your teeth and which ones will best suit your current dental health status. Continue chewing on and be more conscious on buying products with added sugar.