APPOINTMENTSYou would probably love to know a simple way to improve their oral health. Brushing your teeth morning and night and flossing once daily are a given. However, did you know that chewing gum can boost your dental health? That’s right! If the gum is sugar-free, it can help prevent tooth decay.
Chewing sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after meals can lessen the risk of tooth decay, according to studies. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which in turn helps to clear out food particles and plaque. The increase of saliva also helps neutralize cavity-causing acids, thus helping prevent the erosion of tooth enamel. In addition, the extra saliva strengthens the tooth enamel because it contains nutrients like fluoride, calcium, and phosphates.
It is the act of chewing that increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. To reap the benefits of chewing gum, make sure to chew gum of the sugarless variety. Chewing gum that contains sugar will also increase the saliva flow in your mouth, but the sugar present cancels out the benefits.
Dr. Christopher Lillo and our team urge you not to try to replace brushing and flossing your teeth with chewing gum. Instead, chewing gum can be used as an added protection for your teeth.
Our dentist and team in Toms River, New Jersey, invite you to contact Oak Ridge Dental Group at 732-341-1120 to learn more and to set up an appointment. We are excited to serve you!
