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!

How the Chewing Motion Can Help Clean Teeth

The chewing motion encourages the salivary glands to produce saliva, which is beneficial to oral health and cleanliness in several ways. Saliva helps flood the mouth and wash down any remaining particles of food that have stubbornly stayed behind. Saliva also contains antimicrobial enzymes which help to kill bacteria in the mouth, as well as calcium which contributes to the care of dental enamel. Plaque acids increase dramatically after eating a meal and saliva contains a mild alkali which helps to neutralize these acids.

How Sugar Free Gum Ingredients Can Clean Teeth

Another benefit of gum chewing is found in the ingredients of sugar free gum. Some brands of gum contain xylitol, which is a natural sweetener without the negative side effects of regular sugars. Found in vegetable and fruits, xylitol has the same level of sweetness as sucrose and therefore can be used as a sweetener as well as a health supplement. It has been known to help prevent osteoporosis, inhibit bacteria, and prevent tooth decay. Because of xylitol’s capabilities, it creates a hostile environment for bacteria in the mouth and body, preventing the bacteria from attaching to surfaces and multiplying to form plaque. Not all sugar-free gums contain xylitol, so to benefit from this natural sweetener be sure to check the ingredients on the gum label.

Chewing Gum is an Acceptable Alternative when Toothbrushing is Unavailable

Although it is necessary to brush teeth at least every 12 hours to prevent plaque and subsequently tartar from forming on teeth, sugar-free gum is a useful alternative when wanting to keep the mouth clean while waiting to brush teeth. Remember, it is extremely important to be sure that the gum does not contain sugar as the introduction and retention of sugar into the mouth will only help the bacteria multiply and damage teeth. If sugar-free gum must be consumd then try to chew it for longer than 20-30 minutes, even after the flavor is gone, as the sugar will be expended at that point and the continued production of saliva will assist with counteracting the negative effects. However it is best to just always carry a pack of sugar-free gum around and use that to satisfy any cravings.

Dallas Dental Office News Update, By Dallas Texas Dentist, William H. Miller
Woodhill Medical Park, 8305 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 235, Dallas, Texas, 75231
Phone: (214) 692-1050