Reduced saliva flow often results in bad breath and dry mouth. By chewing sugar-free gum, your mouth makes more saliva and the indications of bad breath and dry mouth may be reduced. Saliva is our body’s first guard against harmful bacteria. It washes out food particles and a lot remaining sugar from the mouth. Sugar-free chewing gum can concurrently stimulate saliva production, prompt the immune system and freshened breath. Chewing sugar-free gum helps protect your teeth and gums in between meals when it may not be possible to brush your teeth. Chewing gum is a common habit among people from all age groups. While chewing gum, you just have to make sure to choose sugar-free gum instead of a sugary bubble gum because it will have the opposite effect on your teeth and gums as it contribute to buildup plaque on teeth.
Sugar-free gums are easily available everywhere and have beneficial effects. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for twenty minutes after meals can help stop tooth decay. The ingredients in sugar-free gum are not capable of being fermented by oral bacteria, which is a significant cause in the growth of cavities. The chewing of gum can promote taking away of inter-dental leftovers after food consumption and it can also reduce external tooth stain. According to science and numerous published studies, accepted claims specifically relating to sugar-free chewing gum are that it contributes to the preservation of tooth mineralization, the neutralization of plaque acids, reduction of oral dryness and neutralization of plaque acids. It is also beneficial because the simple act of chewing helps to stimulate the immune system which can help to efficiently shield the mouth from infection and it has other health related benefits like weight management, concentration and stress management.
However, do not let chewing sugar-free gum replace tooth brushing and flossing. It is definitely not a substitute. To maintain best oral hygiene, you will still need to brush your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste, and clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you chew sugar-free teeth cleaning chewing gum during the day habitually, you can give your teeth the shield they need to keep away bacteria and stay strong through the hours in which you are not brushing your teeth.
Prevention is easy! Just talk to your dentist about the smart choices you can make to help recover your oral health with the use of sugar-free gum.