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 really help protect your smile from tooth 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 causes cavities.
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, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Dr. David Montz of Montz and Maher Dental Group. We offer sedation dentistry, CEREC dental crowns, and porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about how to upgrade your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our innovative cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete cosmetic dental smile makeovers, give us a call today at 281-482-1275.
Call our friendly team today for an appointment!
Contact Montz and Maher Dental Group:
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 281-482-1275
