Is chewing gum good for your teeth? Surprisingly enough, it is! While there are plenty of sugar-filled chewing gums on the market, there are also several products that can help your smile stay healthy and bright. If you want to chew gum after eating without giving your family dentist a panic attack, the info below will help you do just that.
How Chewing Gum Can Improve Your Smile
Chewing gum naturally encourages your mouth to produce saliva. The saliva acts like a water hose, flushing away harmful bacteria and stubborn foods in your mouth. Not only will this reduce your risk of plaque and tooth decay, but it will also minimize surface stains in your mouth. This is a quick and easy alternative to teeth whitening that you can try right away.
The Healthy Way To Chew Gum
The key to chewing gum health lies in the gum you choose to chew. In order for your mouth to truly benefit from the gum, you need to choose sugar-free gums approved by the American Dental Association. Chew on a stick of gum for about 20 minutes after you eat to clear out the food and bacteria lingering around. This will make it easier for you to brush your teeth over time.
Which Chewing Gums Are Good For Your Teeth?
The American Dental Association approves a handful of sugarless gums to help fight cavities, reduce plaque buildup, and strengthen teeth. All of these products are made by Wrigley’s, and they include:
- Orbit
- Eclipse
- Extra
Keep in mind that only the sugar-free versions of these gums are approved by the ADA. The sugared ones can still increase bacteria levels in your mouth, which may lead to decay and cavities over time. Check the labels carefully before you buy chewing gum so you can get the healthiest option for your smile.
Beware Of Tricky Advertisements For Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
A lot of chewing gum manufacturers will advertise their products as “sugar-free” because they use artificial sweeteners in place of actual sugar. These sweeteners are derived from sugar, and they are still bad for your teeth. Avoid products that contain “-ose” ingredients, like sucrose and glucose. These gums are not going to do anything but create cavities and other problems in your mouth.
No matter what you do, avoid bubble gum and opt for a sugarless, ADA approved alternative. The results will speak for themselves!
