Hello gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it help safeguard your smile from decay?
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 it also has antimicrobial properties that lower plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause 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, elect a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Dr. Christopher Bowman of Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman. We offer smile makeovers, restorative dentistry, and dental implants. If you have any questions about how to enhance your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our advanced cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile redesigns, give us a call today.
Call our friendly team today for an appointment!
CONTACT ADVANCED DENTISTRY OF CHARLOTTE – DR. CHRISTOPHER A. BOWMAN:
704-337-8070
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
1618 E Morehead St Ste 100
Charlotte, North Carolina
28207
