Does chewing gum after meals really help your teeth?!
Question:
Does chewing gum after meals really help your teeth?
Does chewing gum after meals really help your teeth?
Answers:
Chewing gum (sugarless) use after meals does have the potential to cut down plaque and help wash away food particles. The reasons for this are due to it increasing salivary flow (which has a good rinsing action) it reduces the acids formed in your mouth when food is being broken down. Also, the mechanical action of the gum rubbing against the teeth will remove some of the plaque as it is extremely soft. Xylitol (a specific type of sugarless) gum which has been used in Europe for years should be used if possible. I did a research paper on xylitol and studies show its efficacy. Most US gums have concentrations of xylitol that are too low, but often advertise it on the package. See this site http://www.xlear.com/spry/ for some information.
Happy chewing!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist