Your Smile and Chewing Gum

Have you ever noticed the ADA seal of approval? It’s fairly common on products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes, and even on a pack of gum? But, do you know why the American Dental Association put their approval on a pack of gum? Is chewing gum good for your teeth or for your oral health? Would your dentist say chewing gum is a good idea, or just that it’s better than other things you could be doing? Honestly, the answers to these questions may surprise you.

Despite what you’ve heard, chewing sugar-free gum won’t hurt your teeth: in fact, it can help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The up and down chewing motion increases saliva flow, which washes away food debris, neutralizes the acid on your teeth, and strengthens enamel. To get the most out of your gum, you should chew for about twenty minutes after a meal.

If you decide that chewing gum is right for you, please remember that is extremely important to continue good oral hygiene habits. Chewing gum can help you prevent some dental problems, but will not act as an adequate substitute for brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly.

Please remember to choose gum with the ADA seal of approval. This gum—while sweetened—is always sugarless. This may be important because, although it is the chewing motion and not the lack of sugar that benefits your smile, sugar promotes acid formation. In other words, chewing gum will work to negate acid, while sugar may promote its growth once again.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us soon. We look forward to meeting you.