Some foods are known to be good for you and others aren’t healthy at all. This leaves you wondering what you should and shouldn’t be eating. Chewing gum is good for your teeth under some circumstances, but there are some things to consider.

 

Sugar

It doesn’t matter what flavor you choose; it’s about if they have sugar in it or not. Gum without sugar improves your oral health because:

 

• It increases the saliva production which lowers the acid level on the teeth.

• They remove food particles from the tooth’s surface.

• Helps dislodge any food particles from between the teeth. 

 

Xylitol

If you want to chew sugarless gum, you might consider using one with xylitol. Over time, xylitol reduces the bacteria which lead to cavities in your mouth.

 

When choosing your gum, make sure it has the ADA seal on it. Then, you know it’s safe and good for your teeth.

 

Downsides of Chewing Gum

Even though there are numerous positives to chewing gum, there are some things you still need to keep in mind.

 

Chewing gum for extended periods can damage your teeth. Excessive chewing means for hours at a time. That’s because it leads to excessive wear and tear on the teeth. Instead, make sure you limit your gum chewing to a maximum of thirty minutes at a time. This allows your teeth and mouth to take a break from the hard work. 

 

In addition, if you have dental work like bridges and fillings, chewing gum isn’t a good option for you. Often, it can stick and cause damage to the restorations, leaving you with a hefty dental bill. 

 

If you have questions about whether to chew gum and which kind to choose, talk to your family dentist in Laurel MD during your next checkup. Dr. Masood will know what’s best for your situation.