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There are many different chewing gums available and while some are beneficial for your oral health, some can actually promote cavities in your teeth. In order to make the right decision for your smile, it helps to know about your body’s natural way of protecting your teeth and how chewing gum effects it.

It’s All About Saliva

Did you know that saliva helps clear your mouth of acids, that affect the enamel of your teeth, as well as food particles? The less harmful bacteria, plaque and acids in your mouth, the healthier your mouth will be and the harder it is for cavities to form.

Which Chewing Gum Is Right For Your Smile?

When it comes to gum, there are two types to choose from:

• Sugar-free gum – Alternatively sweetened chewing gum can be very helpful in maintaining your good oral health because it encourages saliva flow. The more saliva in your mouth, the better capable it is of neutralizing and washing away harmful debris and bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
• Sugar-sweetened gum – While sugar-free gum can have many oral benefits, the same cannot be said of sugar-sweetened gum. While your mouth may enjoy the treat, your teeth do not. The sugar contained in chewing or bubble gum acts as food for the harmful bacteria thrive on, encouraging rampant tooth decay.

Xylitol Sweetener For A Healthier Smile

When it comes to selecting a sugar-free gum, opt one that contains Xylitol. This sugar substitute doesn’t just sweeten chewing gum, but it also actively prevents plaque bacteria from adhering to your teeth – inhibiting the growth of some bacteria, and even tooth decay.

Opt for a cleaner smile, by chewing a xylitol-containing gum after eating and by seeing your dentist regularly!

Posted on behalf of:
Gold Hill Dentistry
2848 Pleasant Road #104
Fort Mill, York County, South Carolina 29708
(803) 566-8055