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Home About Dental Blog Chewing Gum After a Meal for Oral Health

Chewing Gum After a Meal for Oral Health


Posted on 12/23/2013 by Alan Snodgrass
How TMJ Chewing Gum After a Meal for Oral HealthChewing gum is said to be the world's most common habit. Approximately 100,000 tons of gum is consumed every year. Research is also showing that our gum chewing habit has some positive effects on oral hygiene and teeth health.

Choosing a stick of sugar free gum at the end of a meal can

•  Stimulate the flow of saliva in the mouth
•  Clean the mouth of food debris
•  Relieve dry mouth discomfort
•  Neutralize plaque acids that form in the mouth after eating
•  Help to remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth
•  Help reduce plaque
•  Help to whiten teeth by reducing and preventing stains

So how exactly does chewing sugar free gum work to protect teeth? Chewing gum after a meal stimulates the saliva production which helps to neutralize and wash away acid produced by bacteria after eating. Teeth are the most vulnerable to tooth decay right after meals when plaque and acid levels rise dramatically. Studies show that chewing gum removes the acid within minutes, slowing down the tooth decay processes.

When looking for a sugar free gum, look for a gum that uses Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is shown to fight cavities and dental decay by creating an unwelcome environment for bacteria. Gum that contains sugar actually fuels acid producing bacteria in your mouth, so it is important to choose a sugar free gum. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is a natural enemy of bacteria because it causes bacteria to lose its ability to stick to teeth.
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