According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing sugarless gum can help keep your mouth healthy.
The research found that gum containing xylitol, which is a sugar substitute, for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities from forming. This is because chewing helps produce saliva, which neutralizes acids.
Why not just chew any type of gum?
Chewing gum does help produce saliva, but if it contains sugar it will mix with the saliva and spread cavity-causing bacteria. The next time you go to buy a pack of gum, be sure it contains xylitol. You can also view the ADA’s list of accepted gum.
It’s important to keep in mind that this does not replace properly brushing and flossing your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum may offer some help in keeping your mouth healthy but you still need to practice proper dental hygiene.
Besides proper dental hygiene at-home, visiting the dentist is also important for keeping a healthy smile. If you’re due for a cleaning or have any concerns about the health of your teeth, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sachs in Rockford, IL today.