To Chew Or Not To Chew - Coleman & Dastrup

Hello 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 protect your smile from cavities?

It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be useful 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 that not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but also has antimicrobial properties that lower plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria which causes decay.

So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, 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 optimal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol.

I’m Doctor Dennis Coleman of Coleman & Dastrup Dentistry Elevated. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and dentures. If you have any questions about how to enhance your oral health, or if you would like information about any of our advanced cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, or complete smile makeovers, give us a call today at 704-896-5850.

Call our caring team today for an appointment!