Can Chewing Gum Really Clean Your Mouth?

By: Smileway Dental

When it comes to chewing gum, it’s the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it’s helpful or harmful to your teeth. While chewing gum containing sugar may actually increase your chances of developing a cavity, you might think that, like most candy, chewing gum can only do damage to your teeth, but the surprising truth is that there is such a thing as gum that is good for your teeth. They are the sugar-free gums.

Sugar-free gum helps to clean teeth and strengthen teeth

Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the production of saliva which helps clear away food, strengthen teeth and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to teeth.

Saliva can promote strengthening of teeth because it contains calcium ions, and buffering capacity which can alter the pH of mouth, maintaining it at neutral pH.

Xylitol reduces decay-causing bacteria

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that some studies have shown can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. With xylitol use over a period of time, the types of bacteria in the mouth change and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces.

However,

Although chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial in most instances, there are some cases in which chewing gum is not recommended. For example those wearing dentures and people who have problems with their mouth opening and closing joint in front of the ear.

For most people, chewing sugar-free gum (especially gum sweetened with xylitol) can be a good preventive measure in situations when tooth brushing and flossing aren’t practical, but sugar-free or not, chewing gum should never replace good dental hygiene practices.

With all these options waiting at the checkout candy rack, it is easier than ever to satisfy your sweet tooth and protect it from cavities at the same time. The next time you are in the mood for a sweet treat, why not bite into a piece of sugar free, cavity-fighting, or enamel-strengthening gum that is good for your teeth instead of a sugar-filled candy? Your teeth will thanak you.

Want to know more about your teeth, feel free to visit us at Smileway Dental Clinic Malaysia. Here we provide dental treatment in a comfortable way because we create smiles that matters.

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Egg yolk
Egg yolk
2023-03-29
the service here is really great
michael kiew
michael kiew
2023-03-27
Doctor very professional and caring. Well explain to patient. The only dentist which I am comfortable and confident on him.
Derrick Loh
Derrick Loh
2023-03-24
Nice
Stella Yeap
Stella Yeap
2023-02-20
Good dental clinic and good Doctor and nurses
Siew Jing Loh
Siew Jing Loh
2023-01-17
Very gentle doctor and resonable Price 👍👍
Malcolm Elliott
Malcolm Elliott
2022-12-18
After 25 years of trying to find a good dentist in KL have finally found one that is well equiped, knowledgable, skilled and good value. Lovely staff. The only downside is the parking but if you park ay MainPlace and walk across then it’s easy. Update 2022…I am still using this excellent dentist as they remain the best I have experienced over the past 26 years… Dentists, nurses, reception and equipment all top notch… Highly recommended.
Syabas Saga
Syabas Saga
2022-12-16
friendly
Valerie Choong
Valerie Choong
2022-12-07
Highly recommend Dr Edwin! He is a very patient and gentle. Tip top service.
Mc Tech Solutions
Mc Tech Solutions
2022-11-28
Calm & Done, Smileway have My 5Star

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