(254) 213-6300
Do you enjoy chewing the occasional, or frequent, piece of gum? It may come as a surprise to you that certain varieties of gum are actually good for your smile. That’s right! Sugar-free gum can benefit your smile in a variety of ways. Our dentist and team are happy to educate you on the advantages of sugarless gum.
Dry mouth means that there is not enough saliva flow in the mouth. This can lead to issues like difficulty eating, swallowing or speaking. In addition, dry mouth can cause an increased risk of cavities. Dry mouth may occur for several reasons, including certain medications. The action of chewing gum causes an increased saliva flow. Saliva is the mouth’s natural cleaner, so this can greatly aid the health of the mouth.
As mentioned above, saliva is the mouth’s natural cleaner. Saliva helps wash way bacteria and food particles that could cause tooth decay. Saliva includes nutrients like calcium and fluoride, which can help strengthen the tooth enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum for just 20 minutes after meals can help reduce tooth decay. However, do not fall under the delusion that chewing sugarless gum can replace brushing and flossing. Instead, chewing gum should supplement consistent dental hygiene.
Bad breath may be the result of something you ate or of a dental issue. The scent of minty, cinnamon or fruity sugar-free gums can temporarily mask bad breath.
Remember, to experience the full advantages of chewing gum, choose a sugarless variety. For more information and to set up your next appointment with our dentist in Killeen, Texas, we encourage you to contact Cen-Tex Dental at (254) 213-6300 today.
