Can Chewing Gum Protect Your Teeth Against Cavities?If you want to protect your smile, then daily dental hygiene is incredibly important. This should include both brushing and flossing, of course. That said, what you eat can impact your oral health, as well. Too much sugar, for instance, can greatly increase your risk of developing cavities. But did you know that for many people, chewing gum can also be a simple way to protect the smile? That’s right, chewing gum could actually help you in your fight against dental cavities! Dental checkups and cleanings are essential, of course. Yet chewing gum could actually help.

What Makes Gum Beneficial?

When you chew on sugar-free gum you are doing more than freshening your breath, after meals. The process of chewing can actually help to gently clean teeth, between brushings. Chewing gum also helps to produce saliva, which is the body’s natural defense against tartar buildup. It does so by limiting plaque’s ability to stick to the surface of teeth, where it can lead to acidic erosion.

Of course, which gum you choose matters. You should avoid those with sugar, since that can actually contribute to tartar development. Gums with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, can be particularly beneficial, since xylitol is also shown to limit bacteria’s ability to stick to the surface of teeth.

How Else Can You Protect Against Cavities?

Just make sure you’re combining your gum chewing with good dental hygiene, since twice daily brushing and flossing are essential to good oral health. Regular dental visits are also important, though, since these provide your dentist a chance to remove any tartar buildup that has developed.

Want to Schedule Preventive Care?

Preventive dental care can help keep the teeth and gums healthy, and looking their best. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA, call today at (319) 364-7108.