The Benefits of Chewing Sugar Free Gum
Dallas, Texas dentist, William H. Miller, discusses the dental health benefits of chewing sugar free gum after eating a meal
A memorable movie scene is found in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, when champion chewer Violet Beauregarde eats the forbidden piece of gum and then swells up to giant, blueberry-like proportions as a result. While the dangers of gum chewing outside of Willy Wonka’s world don’t include turning into a blueberry, sugar found in many brands of gum can be dangerous (to your dental enamel, not your human appearance). Thankfully there is the option of sugar-free gum for those that have a bit of Violet Beauregarde in them, and this sort of gum is not only safe for enamel but even includes health benefits.
Teeth Need a Good Cleaning After Meals
When a meal is over, tiny bits of food cling stubbornly to the teeth and if left unchecked the starches and sugars will assist bacteria in the mouth with multiplying and coating enamel with plaque. Although initially soft and easy to remove, plaque can harden into tartar after only a matter of days and is then so cemented that it cannot be removed except by a visit to the dentist’s office. In order to avoid such a condition, it is best to brush one’s teeth soon after eating to be sure all food is eliminated. Since a toothbrush and toothpaste aren’t always on hand, sometimes it’s necessary to turn to chewing gum to save the day!
