It’s well known that introducing excess sugar to your mouth can significantly increase your chances of suffering cavities. In some cases, it can also contribute to the development of hardened tartar near the gumline and increase your chances of suffering from gum disease.
However, the occasional use of sugarless chewing gum can be beneficial for cavity prevention. The physical activity of chewing gum increases saliva flow which can help to loosen and remove food particles that might have become trapped in the contours of your tooth enamel.
Just be sure to only chew a brand of gum that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. The ADA’s logo can only be printed on a product that has been voluntarily researched for safety and effectiveness.
It’s worth noting that the American Dental Association only approves sugarless gum. These items have been sweetened with substances such as aspartame, sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol. These sugarless sweeteners will not promote plaque formation, tooth decay, or periodontal health problems.
Of course, all of this is in conjunction with your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing each morning and night and making sure to floss at least once each day. If you live in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area and you have a cavity prevention question, you can always call 317-787-6625 to schedule a dental exam at Premier Dental Care’s dental office.