Many people are aware that choosing a sugar-laden gum over a sugar-free one isn’t wise, but some patients are surprised to learn that chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health, especially when combined with regular brushing and professional dental care. All gum was once assumed to be bad for your teeth. But in recent decades, dentists have given the thumbs up to sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum was invented in the 1950s, and in 1975, xylitol was introduced in Finland as a sweetener for sugar-free gum. Arise Dental, a Tyler, TX dentist specializing in preventative care and patient education, explains in this blog how chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health, allowing you to chew away happily.
How Sugar-Free Gum Supports Oral Health
One of the main ways chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health is by increasing saliva flow, which naturally protects your teeth between meals. How does this work?
- Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids from food and bacteria.
- Saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, which prevents them from sticking to teeth.
- Your mouth can maintain proper pH levels when you produce enough saliva, which in turn promotes tooth remineralization, fighting cavities.
- Saliva contains calcium and phosphate that help strengthen enamel and repair damage.
- Proteins and enzymes that possess antimicrobial characteristics are found in saliva, which helps lessen harmful bacterial growth.
When to Chew for Maximum Benefit
Believe it or not, there are times when it is better to chew gum than at other times! To maximize how chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health, chew after meals when your mouth is most at risk for acid attacks, especially when brushing isn’t possible. Chew sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes to help neutralize acid and remove debris. Arise Dental must point out, however, that chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing or flossing your teeth properly.
Choosing the Right Gum
Not all sugar-free gum is created equal, but choosing the right one ensures that chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health more effectively. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a gum to enjoy:
- Look for xylitol-based sugar-free gum; xylitol helps fight cavity-causing bacteria
- While it does not necessarily harm oral health, you may want to avoid gum with artificial sweeteners that can upset digestion. An artificial sweetener that some people want to avoid is aspartame.
- ADA Seal of Acceptance is a reliable guide. It means that the American Dental Association has tested the gum for both safety and effectiveness in supporting oral health.
Additional Benefits Beyond Cavity Prevention
There are other reasons chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health beyond cavity prevention. Sugar-free gum may help reduce plaque buildup and freshen breath. Some people chew gum as a healthy alternative to snacking between meals, as it can trick your senses into feeling like you’re indulging in a sweet treat.
Another reason chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health is its role in reducing dry mouth. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to tooth decay, mouth sores, and difficulty swallowing. According to studies, “Chewing gum can increase unstimulated salivary flow rate in elderly and medically compromised people with xerostomia. Increasing the number of days over which gum is chewed increases the improvement in the rate of salivation.”
Lastly, one reason chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health is that chewing gum curbs the urge for sugary snacks, reducing the risk of cavities (and also enhancing your overall health as well!).
When Not to Rely on Gum Alone
While chewing sugar-free gum supports oral health, it should never replace your regular dental hygiene routine or professional care. Constant gum chewing is not suitable for patients with TMJ issues or jaw pain. Also, excessive gum chewing can cause muscle fatigue or headaches. You should never substitute gum chewing for brushing, flossing, or dental visits with Arise Dental.
Let Arise Dental Help You on Your Oral Health Journey
Big bright smiles start with small habits. Choosing to chew sugar-free gum instead of sugar-filled gum is a small, powerful step toward better oral health! If you’re in Tyler, TX, and looking for an amazing dentist to help you on your oral health journey, schedule a visit for a personalized care plan with Arise Dental.
This review from Niki B. shows how Arise offers caring professional services: “Doctor and other staff were amazing and professional. After having a horrible experience at another dentist’s office in Tyler & being hesitant to go back to the dentist, I was very impressed and comfortable. Looking forward to future visits.”
At Arise Dental in Tyler, TX, we help patients discover how simple habits, such as chewing sugar-free gum, support oral health and prevent long-term dental problems.