While most people see chewing gum as a way to freshen breath, clinical studies have shown there are benefits to chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks. Sugarless gum stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away food and other debris, while also bringing more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen enamel.
Not only does chewing sugarless gum stimulate saliva secretion, but gums that are sweetened with the sugar substitute xylitol have added benefits. Xylitol is a low calorie sweetener made from sugar alcohols that does not effect blood sugar levels as normal sugar does. It also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth, eliminating the environment necessary for cavity formation.
It is advised that you do not allow chewing sugarless gum to replace brushing and flossing. It is a great tool to help reduce the chance of tooth decay but it is not a substitute for brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing.
Chewing sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol increases the flow of saliva while decreasing the formation of acid, effectively eliminating food particles that can cause decay and the acidic environment necessary.
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/chewing-gum.aspx
Source: http://www.xlear.com/xylitol-gum.aspx
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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