Gum is delicious — and the right gum can benefit your teeth! Now, there are a lot of gums out there that are bad for those chompers, so choose wisely! Look for gum packages with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on them. These chewing gums have tooth-safe sweeteners in lieu of sugars that would injure your teeth. But there are several pros and cons to ADA approved gum beyond sweeteners:
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Increase Your Saliva, Boost Your Tooth Health
Saliva keeps your teeth healthy. So the more saliva there is, the healthier your teeth will be. Saliva carries calcium and phosphate which are crucial for tooth health and enamel maintenance.
Gum Chewers Have Better Breath and Less Debris in Their Teeth
It’s obvious that chewing gum improves your breath, but chewing gum has long-lasting breath freshening features. Since chewing gum clears away debris after a meal, fewer bacteria will form. And fewer bacteria means less stink!
ADA Gum Might Improve Tooth Density and Strength
Doctors point out that using your bones means strengthening your bones. For example, runners have more density and strength in their leg bones than the average human. Hypothetically, the same should be true for teeth — there just haven’t been any studies performed. So chewing more may lead to denser, stronger teeth.
Helps With Weight Loss
Have you noticed that when you’re feeling bored you head straight for the fridge and start snacking? If you ever feel the urge to eat something but aren’t necessarily hungry, grab a piece of gum! Gum has fewer calories than chips, cookies, or a bowl of cereal.
Gum Can Help Fight Tooth Decay
Xylitol is a type of sugarless gum that is used in lollipops, hard candies, and gum. Xylitol helps to fight a specific type of bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. Also, look for gum that contains calcium lactate, which can boost the mineral of your teeth.
Drawbacks of Chewing Gum
Chewing Gum Doesn’t Replace Flossing and Brushing
Don’t stop flossing and brushing regularly! ADA approved chewing gum only aids in keeping healthy teeth healthy.
Chewing Gum Won’t Kill Bacteria
Bacteria won’t die because of ADA gum. Use mouthwash or other products to ensure that plaque-causing bacteria stays away!
Chewers Are More Likely to Bite Their Tongue
Most people have experienced biting their tongue while eating. People who chew gum and are regularly using their tongue to move the piece around in their mouth are more likely to bite their tongue, which can cause lasting damage to the tissue.
Can Loosen Dental Fillings
One of the biggest reasons for avoiding chewing gum, aside from bad types of sugar, is that it can loosen fillings and other dental work. Crowns and bridges are also susceptible to becoming loose when chewing gum.
If you are a gum chewer, be sure to tell your dentist at your next six-month cleaning. M Dental in Mississauga and Scarborough provides exceptional service and dental care. Schedule an appointment with us today!
