Oral Health Benefits of Chewing SugarFree Gums

How Did Chewing Gum Start?

Chewing gums have been around since the ancient times. Mayans would chew sap of chicle or sapodilla tree. Greeks, meanwhile, would reach for a sap from the mastiche or mastic tree. Today, chewing gum has evolved as a mixture of various synthetic materials.

Ingredients usually include artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners. You may be asking, is it safe? Long as the chewing gum has the ADA seal, then you can have peace of mind knowing it's good for your oral health.

A chewing gum is awarded the ADA seal once its satisfies requirements set by the organization. The chewing gum should show effectiveness in helping reduce cavities among others.

Also, the manufacturer should be able to present results of laboratory results in humans. Please note that ADA only recognises sugarless gums. This is because sweeteners used in making them do not contribute to cavity.

Benefits of Chewing Sugarfree Gums

• Protecting teeth from cavities. According to the American Dental Association, the habit of chewing for 20 minutes after eating helps fend off tooth decay. Saliva flow is increased. Food debris are removed, preventing them from getting stuck in tooth surfaces and crevices.
• Reducing tooth sensitivity. Chewing sugar free gums can help minimise tooth sensitivity. A study published by the National Institutes of Health showed that chewing gum containing Recaldent was proven effective in reducing tooth sensitivity associated with in-office dental whitening procedures.
• Preventing bad breath. Foul smelling breath and dry mouth can both be caused by reduced saliva flow. Chewing sugar free gums encourages saliva production, which helps fight bad breath, especially during midday.
• Strengthening teeth enamel. A sugar free gum that uses xylitol helps protect teeth from acid attacks. They offer benefits similar to toothpaste and mouthwash that contains fluoride. When our teeth are strong, they have a better chance of resisting decay.

Is Chewing Gum an Alternative to Brushing or Flossing?

Chewing sugarless gums can help keep our teeth clean but it should not be deemed a substitute to brushing or flossing. Brushing and flossing are crucial to keeping oral health in good condition.