Is Chewing Gum Good for My Teeth?

At North Richland Hills Dentistry, we work hard to educate our patients on how they can practice good preventive oral care habits that protect their teeth for years to come. This includes proper brushing, flossing, and regular visits to our office, as well as adopting other healthy habits. Small changes to your lifestyle, like improving your diet, can have a large impact on your oral health. One such thing Dr. Desai often recommends to our patients is simple: chew sugar-free gum.

Not Just Candy

Chewing gum has existed in various forms since ancient history, when folks chewed on tree sap. Today’s chewing gum flavor and composition has come a long way. While many might consider chewing gum to be candy – and gum sweetened with sugar is certainly bad for your teeth – sugar-free gum can improve your dental health and help keep your teeth strong and pearly white.

Effects of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

When you chew sugar-free gum, you increase your saliva flow. Saliva is an important and often-overlooked tool in your body’s arsenal. It helps neutralize and wash away acids that can build up on teeth as a result of plaque. This acid can wear away at your enamel over time, causing cavities, infection, and even tooth loss. We recommend chewing sugarless gum after meals, as it can help clean teeth and prevent tooth decay.

While we think chewing sugarless gum is a great option for many of our patients, it is no substitute for good preventive care habits. Some of our patients may have conditions that require them to avoid chewing gum, so be sure to ask about it during your next visit. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes, flossing each day, and visiting our office regularly for check-ups and exams. To schedule your next appointment or to ask our friendly team any questions, contact us today.