Hello Chesterfield gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help guard your smile from tooth decay?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that impair plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Chesterfield area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the prime practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, settle upon a sugarless gum with xylitol.
I’m Dr. Martin Buchheit of Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Center. We offer dental implants, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign. If you have any questions about how to beautify your oral health, or if you would like details about any of our industry-leading cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile transformations, give us a call today at 314-576-0088.
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