Hello gum chewers! In this post from Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park we’re going to talk about that chewing gum. You know there can be benefits to gum chewing, but isn’t it a big risk for tooth decay?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum may be helpful in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that lessen plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes decay.
So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with after your meal. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, select a sugarless gum with xylitol.
At Eric Hull DDS Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park, we encourage regular cleanings and checkups. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Our patients come to us from Ada, Belmont, Grand Rapids, Sparta, Walker and Rockford, MI for Invisalign clear braces, implant dentistry and much more. Call to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Eric Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
616-784-2377
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321
