Having an adequate oral hygiene regime is of prime importance to minimize the risk of developing cavities. Cavities on or in between teeth are common due to bacterial manifestation. Our teeth are susceptible to it because of periodic eating that gives the germs a chance to play with the acids left on teeth resulting in consequent enamel erosion. One of the odd suggestions for preventing this risk is chewing gum, free of any sort of sugar.
The thought of chewing gum may seem absurd to you because it is always thought to be bad for oneself. However, if it is sugar free then it may help prevent a lot of cavity-related troubles. Let’s have a look at this theory.
Benefits of Chewing A Sugar Free Gum
As the name suggests, sugar-free gums do not contain the triggering element “sugar” in them. Instead, the taste is instilled by sweeteners that do not pose any sort of threat of tooth decay. But why is chewing gum which is sugar free of any benefit to the teeth?
A theory suggests that a sugar-less gum may help wash away bacteria after a meal if immediate brushing and flossing are not available.
The teeth are susceptible to acid attack after you eat food. The acids produced by bacteria and the sugars present on the teeth surface from our food and drink react to dissolve away enamel and dentine layers. This consequentially forms a hole in a tooth – a cavity, or pouch in gums.
This attack is lessened by chewing on gum that is free from sugar as it helps the oral cavity produce more saliva, which acts as the mouth’s natural defense against acid attack.
How Does Chewing a Non-Sugar Gum help With Dry Mouth and Halitosis?
Both of these issues, bad breath and dry mouth, result from less saliva production. When you have something inside your mouth, like chewing gum, it greatly stimulates saliva production, thereby relieving the two troubles.
Why Put Xylitol When A Chewing Gum Is Made?
The manufacturers make use of artificial sweeteners such as xylitol to add taste to their gums. It is a natural sweetener found in certain berries, fruits, veggies, or mushrooms. Xylitol’s sweetness is equivalent to that of sugar; it helps prevent plaque bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
Studies reveal that xylitol greatly reduces tooth decay and may even help reverse it by replacing the minerals of the tooth enamel.
When Is Sugar Free Gum Best To Use?
You can start chewing a gum soon after you are done washing down the meal with water, preferably within half n hour. Chewing for around 20 minutes increases the production and flow of saliva. This accentuates the time it takes for saliva to cancel the acid out.
Conclusion
You can get a gum and start with it after meals or a drinking session to save it. However, you still have to brush and floss since chewing gum cannot be used as a substitute for them. Do not panic in case you swallow gum instead of spitting it out; it tends to pass out naturally but slower than other items.
Why don’t you give a call to dentists from Pasadena Oral Surgery for more information at (281) 299-0053? We will be more than happy to help.