Hello gum chewers! In this post from Wetaskiwin Family Dental in Wetaskiwin, we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but doesn’t it put you at risk for tooth decay?
It depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can help remove 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 ordinary sugars but also has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria which causes tooth decay.
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 better, but when you can’t brush, opt for a sugarless gum with xylitol.
At Wetaskiwin Family Dental in Wetaskiwin, your dental health is always our biggest concern. Patients from Leduc, Camrose, and Ponoka come to us for complete general dentistry and restorative dentistry, and so much more! Call to schedule an appointment today.