The Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum

The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which:

• washes away food and other debris
• neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth 
• provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.

Dry mouth and bad breath are often caused by a reduced saliva flow. When you chew sugar-free gum your mouth makes more saliva and the symptoms of dry mouth and bad breath may be reduced.

Look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal. That way, you know you can trust that the gum is safe and effective. If products carry this seal, the associated companies are required to verify the claims made on their packaging, such as those regarding the remineralization of teeth and the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.  All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

Of course, chewing sugar-containing gum increases saliva flow too, but it also contains sugar which is used by plaque bacteria to produce decay-causing acids. 

Don’t let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It’s not a substitute. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other interdental cleaners. Also visit your general dentist in Evansville, IN regularly.