Hello, gum chewers. Today, we’re going to talk about that sticky wad of candy in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help guard your smile from cavities?
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 which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that lessen plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes dental caries.
So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Provo area, 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, elect a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Dr. Chris Hammond of Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign, and mini implants. If you have any questions about how to beautify your oral health, or if you would like details about any of our unprecedented cosmetic dental care such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 801-374-0070.
Call our caring team today for an appointment!
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry: 801-374-0070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604