While sugary candies may pose risks to your teeth, sugarless gum can actually contribute to your oral health. Approved by the ADA, chewing sugarless gum offers a range of benefits for your teeth and gums. Here’s what you should know about incorporating gum into your oral care routine:
How It Benefits Your Oral Health
Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Saliva helps wash away food particles and debris from the surface of your teeth, reducing the risk of decay. Additionally, increased saliva flow neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in your mouth, protecting tooth enamel from erosion. Saliva also contains calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening tooth enamel, further fortifying your teeth against decay.
Look for the ADA Seal of Approval
When selecting chewing gum, look for the ADA Seal of Approval. This seal ensures that the gum is sugarless and meets the ADA’s strict criteria for safety and effectiveness. Products bearing the ADA seal have undergone thorough testing to guarantee the benefits promised by the seal. Opting for ADA-approved gum is an excellent way to clean your teeth between brushing sessions, especially when brushing is not immediately feasible after a meal or snack.
Supplement, Not Substitute, Your Oral Care Routine
While chewing gum offers benefits for oral health, it should not replace regular brushing and flossing. Dentist Sanger advises brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes each session and flossing regularly. Additionally, routine dental examinations are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Schedule biannual visits to our dental office, with additional appointments recommended for high-risk patients or those with specific oral health concerns.
Choose Wisely for Your Oral Health
When selecting chewing gum, prioritize ADA-approved sugarless options to reap the benefits for your oral health. While chewing gum can contribute to saliva production and aid in cleaning your teeth, it should complement, not replace, your regular oral care routine.
To prioritize your oral health and schedule your next dental visit, please contact Prewitt Dental Group. Our team is committed to providing comprehensive dental care to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.