Sugar-free gum is known to have oral health benefits.
We have all heard the saying that chewing gum is good for your oral health. But is that really true? There are many different kinds of gum out there, and not all gum is created equal. However, sugar-free gum is known to have oral health benefits. It may seem odd to look to a piece of candy to improve your dental hygiene, but there are several reasons to consider having a stick of gum. Let’s go over some of the benefits of chewing gum for your oral health.
Protects Your Teeth
One benefit of chewing sugar-free gum after eating is that it cleans out food debris from between your teeth. When you cannot brush right after eating, chewing sugar-free gum can protect your teeth against damage from bacteria and food particles. It’s essential to choose sugar-free options, like those with xylitol. Xylitol gum is suitable for your dental health since it does not increase harmful bacteria in your mouth. However, chewing gum should not replace your regular oral hygiene routine. Regardless of how much sugar-free gum you chew, it is important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Stimulates Saliva Glands
Additionally, sugar-free chewing gum increases saliva production, neutralizing acid in your mouth and preventing dry mouth. Saliva is our body’s first defense against dangerous bacteria. It washes food particles and remaining sugar from the mouth. Washing away this bacteria also protects the enamel on your teeth. Your saliva carries phosphorus and calcium, which are nutrients that strengthen teeth and lower your risk of tooth decay.
Reduces Bad Breath
Chewing gum is designed to leave a fresh taste in your mouth and eliminate any bad breath. No one enjoys having bad breath after a meal. Gum can even mask strong food odors such as garlic or onions.
Combats Nausea
The benefits of chewing gum extend beyond dental health. Did you know that chewing gum can help relieve symptoms of nausea? If you have an upset stomach or get motion sick, try chewing gum with mint or ginger. Mint and ginger are natural remedies for nausea. The constant chewing produces more saliva and eases acid build-up, while the natural flavorings work better than some over-the-counter nausea medications.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!