Why Chewing Gum May Actually Be Good For Your Mouth
If you love chewing on gum each day but are hesitant to do this too often due to the negative effects it can have on your teeth, there is good news. Chewing sugar-free gum may actually help you keep your teeth healthy, and here are several reasons why this is true.
It stimulates saliva production
One of the most helpful systems in your body for preventing tooth decay is your saliva glands. These glands produce saliva all the time, and saliva is very good at eliminating food particles and bacteria from your teeth. When your mouth produces a lot of saliva, your teeth will be cleaner, because saliva cleanses your mouth. Chewing gum is a great way to increase the production of saliva in your mouth, which means you will have a cleaner mouth simply from chewing gum.
It's also important to realize that cavities can only form if bacteria is left on the teeth for a long time. This bacteria will eventually turn to acid, and acid is what causes decay. If you can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, you can reduce your chances of developing cavities.
In addition, if you suffer from xerostomia, also called dry mouth, chewing sugar-free gum each day is a great solution to your problem. Not only will this help relieve the dryness you experience in your mouth, but it can also help eliminate problems with bad breath.
The ingredient in sugar-free gum also protects teeth
Another reason chewing sugar-free gum can help your oral health is due to the effects xylitol can have. Xylitol is the most common ingredient found in sugar-free gums, and it is used because it is as sweet as sugar. While xylitol may taste as sweet as sugar, it does not harm teeth like sugar does.
Xylitol is made from birch bark and is an ingredient found in mushrooms, berries, and vegetables. When added to gum, it makes the gum sweet, and it has the ability to stop plaque from attaching itself to your teeth. As you chew sugar-free gum that contains this ingredient, you will be at a reduced risk for developing cavities.
These are the main reasons why chewing sugar-free gum may actually be beneficial for your mouth. If you decide to do this, be sure to chew the gum shortly after eating meals or snacks, and avoid chewing gum all day. If you chew too much gum, it might make your jaw sore and this could lead to jaw issues. To learn more about keeping your teeth healthy and strong by chewing gum, contact a dentist like J R Gassman DDS.