That sugarless gum you are chewing may be doing more good than you realize. A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after you eat can help prevent tooth decay. Here is why this works.

Chewing increases your saliva flow, which is important to the health of your mouth. Saliva creates disease-fighting substances, helps remove stuck food and helps neutralize the acids in your mouth.

Chewing gum that contains sugar will increase the saliva flow in your mouth, but all that sugar from the gum stays in your mouth for longer periods of time which can lead to cavities. If you chew sugar-free gum that has ingredients such as xylitol or sorbitol, you are increasing the saliva in your mouth and not letting sugar do any damage to your teeth or gums.

You should remember that chewing sugarless gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing twice per day. Chewing sugarless gum can help you fight against cavities, but it is not enough to completely prevent decay or cavities from occurring.

Visit the ADA’s “Seal of Approval” section to see which brands of gum are beneficial to your oral health.

If you are concerned about the health of your gums or have any questions, be sure to contact us today. We are always happy to have new patients at our practice in Memphis, TN.

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