Patients From Solana Beach Dentist Office Want to Know: Can Chewing Gum Clean Your Teeth?

Chewing gum is fun, but can it clean your teeth? Yes, and no…the kind of chewing gum you use makes a difference in whether it’s good for your teeth. Since your chewing gum may contain sugar, there’s a chance you could increase your risk of cavities, which will have you making a not-so-fun visit to your Solana beach dentist to drill cavities. The only chewing gums with the ADA seal are sugarless and are sweetened by non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol.

Is Chewing Gum Good for Your Teeth?

Only the right kind of chewing gum is good for your teeth. It can prevent decaying teeth, just as long as you use sugar-free gum. Chewing gum allows your mouth to produce more saliva, which washes away some of the acids that form in your mouth every time you eat food. Chewing gum after a meal can protect your teeth and promote good oral health. The minerals in saliva can also strengthen the enamel, which reduces the risk of cavities.

Is Sugar-Free Gum Bad for Your Teeth?

Sugar-free gum is not bad for your teeth. Most parents prefer their children to chew sugar-free gum. The American Dental Association advises all patients to chew sugar-free gum since most of those are on their approved list of dental products. If you’re not sure which gum is best for your oral health, ask your dentist in Solana Beach before purchasing it.

How Sugar-Free Cleans Your Teeth

Previous studies have shown that sugar-free gum can neutralize the bacteria that form after you break down food. This bacteria forms plaque, which can lead to serious dental problems. Chewing the artificial sweeteners in this gum can increase the saliva flow. Not only does the saliva neutralize the bacteria, but it also cleans away those food particles, making your teeth clean.

Xylitol Eliminates Decay-Causing Bacteria

Sugar-free gum that contains xylitol reduces the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which causes cavities. Thanks to xylitol, bacteria is removed from the teeth, ceasing the cavity-causing process. When you use sugar-free gum with xylitol over time, fewer bacteria will form on your teeth. So, there is a  benefit to chewing sugar-free gum every so often or after meals.

Should You Use Chewing Gum?

While sugar-free gum is helpful for eliminating bacteria, there are some cases in which you shouldn’t chew it. If you experience jaw discomfort or pain or you’ve had a lot of dental work like crowns that gum could pose a threat to, you should quit chewing gum and talk to your dentist in San Diego about which treatment options are available to you.

Chewing Gum is Not Replacement for Brushing Teeth

There is no substitute for brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Chewing gum shouldn’t become a replacement for your daily dental practices. In addition to brushing and flossing, visiting your Solana beach dentist and dental hygienist twice a year will keep your teeth clean and healthy. Combined, this can prevent your risk of serious oral health issues.