How Chewing Gum Can Be Good For Your Smile

By Author: Miguel Casanas
Total Articles: 55
Comment this article

About 59% of people in the United States chew gum on a regular basis. Some do it to reduce stress, and of course there are those who simply enjoy the taste. But what you may not realize is that as long as it’s sugar-free, chewing gum can actually be extremely beneficial; here’s how.
Chewing Gum Can Clean Your Mouth
Chewing gum after a meal can go a long way toward keeping your smile clean. Any bits of food that are left in your mouth can get stuck to the gum, allowing you to get rid of them before they can contribute to cavities and gum disease.
Chewing Gum Increases Saliva Production
Chewing stimulates your salivary glands, causing them to produce more of the cleansing saliva that washes away food debris and bacteria. Saliva also helps break down any sugars, acids, and other harmful substances before they can cause problems. By chewing gum, you encourage your body to make more saliva than normal, thus improving your oral health in the long run.
Chewing Gum Can Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
It’s no secret that foods that are high in sugar tend to be just as bad for your teeth as they are ...
... for your waistline. The bacteria in your mouth can turn sugar into acids that erode your enamel, eventually leading to cavities. But if you chew on sugar-free gum, you can curb your craving for sugary snacks.
Chewing Gum Can Help You Break Bad Oral Habits
Many people bite their fingernails or chew on pen tips without thinking about it. These nonnutritive habits can take their toll on the teeth over time, gradually wearing them down and eventually causing them to fracture. Gum, on the other hand, is very soft and is thus much gentler on the teeth. As such, chewing on gum is a good way to make sure that you aren’t instead chewing on anything that might be more damaging for your smile.
Chewing Gum Can Help Fight Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid is allowed to travel up your esophagus. In addition to causing heartburn, acid reflux is also bad for your teeth; the acids can reach your molars and wear away their enamel. Chewing gum can actually reduce the amount of acid in your esophagus, thus protecting your smile from the effects of acid reflux.
Chewing Gum Can Freshen Your Breath
Do you suffer from bad breath early in the morning? It may be a side effect of a dry mouth; your body usually produces less saliva while you’re asleep, and the problem is only made worse if you sleep with your mouth open. Chewing some gum early in the morning to boost saliva production can help you put a stop to bad breath sooner.
Are you thinking of chewing gum for oral health? Talk to your dentist today to see what brands they recommend.