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 safeguard your smile from decay?
It really depends on the type of gum. At Oceanside Dental Excellence, we know chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be helpful 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 also has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause 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 proper practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, elect a sugarless gum with xylitol.
We are Drs. Stephen and Kimberly Dankworth of Oceanside Dental Excellence. We offer Invisalign, implant-supported dentures, and porcelain veneers. If you have any questions about how to improve your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our cutting-edge cosmetic dental services such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete cosmetic dental smile makeovers, give us a call today at 760-439-3400.
Call our committed to excellence team today for an appointment!
Contact Oceanside Dental Excellence:
760-439-3400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3762 Mission Ave Ste 104
Oceanside, California
92058
