It is fun to chew gum sometimes, but is sugar-free gum really better for your teeth, or is it all just hype? Let us look into the science behind sugar-free gum to find out what is good and bad about it. A preventive dentist in Torrance, CA, can tell you that sugar-free gum is a great way to take care of your teeth.
Sugar-free gums can help you conquer cavities.
The best thing about sugar-free gum is that it does not have any sugar in it. When you eat sugar, the bad bacteria in your mouth make acid, which wears away at your tooth enamel and leads to cavities. By leaving out sugar, sugar-free gum avoids this process that leads to cavities.
But sugar-free gum does more than just keep you away from the bad guy. Chewing sugar-free gum makes you salivate more.
Saliva is nature’s cleaner; it gets rid of food bits and neutralizes acids that are bad for your teeth. This extra saliva can help improve tooth enamel and make teeth less sensitive.
Some gums that do not have sugar are even better for your teeth. A popular sugar replacement called xylitol has been shown to be especially good for your teeth. Studies show that xylitol may be able to starve plaque bacteria and even help teeth regain some of their minerals, which could reverse the early signs of decay.
The potential downsides of sugar-free gum.
Even though sugar-free gum is good for your teeth in many ways, it also has some problems. Some people have trouble digesting artificial sweeteners, which are sometimes found in sugar-free gum. If sugar-free gum makes your teeth hurt after eating it, you might want to switch to gum sweetened with xylitol or stay away from it altogether.
Moderation is something else to think about. Too much gum eating can hurt your jaw because it strains the muscles there.
Pay attention to your body, and do not do too much. Also, it is not a good idea to swallow big amounts of gum, so stick to eating gum properly.
So, is it good for you?
If you want to keep your teeth clean, sugar-free gum can help. Sugar-free gum can help keep your teeth healthy by increasing saliva flow, lowering acids that cause cavities, and maybe even providing the benefits of xylitol.
On the other hand, watch out for fake sweeteners and eat gum in moderation. Remember that sugar-free gum is not an alternative for brushing and cleaning your teeth every day, but it can be a nice change and help your oral health.
Other things you need to consider regarding your oral health.
And while sugar-free gum is good for you in some ways, it is important to remember that it is only one part of good mouth health. To keep your teeth in good shape, you should also:
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. Cutting down on this helps get rid of plaque and bacteria that can cause teeth and gum disease.
- Floss every day. Flossing helps get rid of food and bacteria that your toothbrush can not reach by getting between your teeth.
- Make sure you see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Getting regular dental care can help you find and treat mouth health problems before they get worse.
- Stay away from snacks and drinks with a lot of sugar. Sugary drinks and foods can make cavities worse, so it is best to limit how much you eat and drink.
- Stop smoking and drinking too much alcohol. These habits are bad for your gums and teeth.
With these other important oral health habits and the benefits of sugar-free gum, you can greatly increase your chances of keeping a healthy smile for many years to come. For more information and for healthier teeth, make sure to schedule an appointment with a dentist today!
