Hello gum chewers! In this post from Priority Dental in Casper, 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 guard your smile from cavities?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be beneficial in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is cancelled out 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. Take xylitol, for example. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that cut down plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes dental caries.
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 is the best thing for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, opt for a sugarless gum with xylitol.
At Priority Dental in Casper, we offer a full range of dental services, including family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup with us today.
Contact Priority Dental:
307-333-6285
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1224 E. 2nd St.
Casper, Wyoming
82601