Chewing gum has been increasingly associated with healthy teeth. However, many people are not familiar with the science behind chewing gum. Furthermore, it is not any gum that can contribute to oral health. Your Las Vegas Dentist will recommend that you chew sugar-free gum to promote oral health. Here are some of the benefits of sugar-free gum:
Cavity Prevention
Cavities occur when the bacteria in your teeth release acids in the process of breaking down food. These acids eat into your tooth enamel resulting in decay or a cavity. Clinical studies have proven the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals. It helps increase the flow of saliva which in turn helps neutralize or wash away acids that arise when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque. This limits decay and keeps your teeth strong. Other gums will only increase saliva flow and provide the sugars that help bacteria produce a sticky and acidic by-product.
Reducing Tooth Sensitivity
Whitening treatments can cause your teeth to develop sensitivity. Sugar-free gum increases saliva flow which as a result reduces sensitivity.
Strengthens The Enamel
Sugar-free gum supplies minerals like calcium and phosphate to your teeth. These minerals shield your teeth from enamel erosion. Furthermore, xylitol, one of the ingredients in sugar-free gum, reduces the acids that stick to your teeth after a meal. This keeps your enamel strong and protects you from cavities and decay.
Is Chewing Sugar-Free Gum A Substitute For Brushing and Flossing
While a Las Vegas dentist will impress upon you the benefit of chewing sugar-free gum, this should not be taken to be a substitute for brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice a day and floss at least once. Therefore, chewing gum is an adjunct to healthy oral practices.
What To Look For In Sugar-Free Gum
You need to consult your Las Vegas dentist on the type of sugar-free gum that is safe for your teeth. Alternatively, when shopping for sugar-free gum, you should look for the American Dental Association Seal. This will offer you assurance that your product has been evaluated for both efficacy and safety by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, a body of scientific experts.
A company is awarded the ADA Seal after demonstrating that it has products that satisfy the requirements for efficacy and safety for sugar-free chewing gum. Efficacy includes indications such as promoting remineralization of the tooth enamel, reducing plaque acids, and reducing gingivitis. The manufacturer also needs to provide the results of both clinical and laboratory studies in humans.
Sugar-free gum has long been known to help fight against dental cavities and reduce the presence of plaque. Though sugar-free gum should not be substituted with healthy oral practices, it should be used often to increase saliva flow and strengthen the enamel.
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