Does chewing gum after meals actually cut down plaque?!
Question:
Does chewing gum after meals actually cut down plaque?
Additional Details
2 months ago
Please give me a logical and a specific answer.
Answers:
Chewing gum (sugarless) use after meals does have the potential to cut down plaque. The reasons for this are due to it increasing salivary flow which has a good rinsing action which 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 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