How can chewing gum help prevent tooth decay?
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American Dental Association answered:The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, creating the conditions for decay. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your... More -
Dr. Jerry Gordon answered:Yes, if it is sugarless gum. Sugarless gum can increase the production of saliva in the mouth which has a protective effect on the teeth and gums. On the other hand, chewing gum that contains sugar can promote tooth decay and also loosen crowns (caps) and permanent bridges.Yes, if it is sugarless gum. Sugarless gum can increase the production of saliva in the mouth which has a protective effect on the teeth and gums. On the other hand, chewing gum that contains sugar can promote tooth decay and also loosen crowns... More -
Dr. Thomas Connelly answered:Chewing gum (sugarless gum, please) creates saliva, which helps clean teeth. Ok, this isn’t as good as brushing, but chewing some sugarless gum after eating is better than nothing.
Chewing gum (sugarless gum, please) creates saliva, which helps clean teeth. Ok, this isn’t as good as brushing, but chewing some sugarless gum after eating is better than nothing. More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Chewing gum, if it is sugarless, can help prevent decay in two ways. First, chewing gum helps to remove food particles from your teeth. Second, the artificial sweetener (xylitol) in the gum has been shown to decrease cavities in teeth.Chewing gum, if it is sugarless, can help prevent decay in two ways. First, chewing gum helps to remove food particles from your teeth. Second, the artificial sweetener (xylitol) in the gum has been shown to decrease cavities in teeth. More -
Dr. Mark Birnbach answered:Gum increases the salivary output, which helps to remove the food particles that can contribute to decay. That being said, sugar-free gum is the only type to be used, as sugar containing gums increase decay.Gum increases the salivary output, which helps to remove the food particles that can contribute to decay. That being said, sugar-free gum is the only type to be used, as sugar containing gums increase decay. More -
Dr. Yohan Kim answered:One of the main reasons is by increasing saliva. Saliva has lots of antibacterial components which can kill the bacteria. Also, the increased amount of saliva can function as a buffer to neutralize the lowered pH by sugary food/drinks. The more acidic it can be, the more it can erode the teeth and cause more decay.
One of the main reasons is by increasing saliva. Saliva has lots of antibacterial components which can kill the bacteria. Also, the increased amount of saliva can function as a buffer to neutralize the lowered pH by sugary food/drinks. The more... More -
Dr. Aaron Schwartz answered:YES! SUGAR-FREE chewing gum:
- promotes saliva, which naturally breaks down carbohydrates and sugars (which lead to tooth decay)
- mechanically removes food off from teeth while chewing.
YES! SUGAR-FREE chewing gum: promotes saliva, which naturally breaks down carbohydrates and sugars (which lead to tooth decay) mechanically removes food off from teeth while chewing. More -
Jon Copeland answered:Some gums have a specific sugar called xylitol in them. This sugar is unlike other sugars in that it decreases the likelihood of cavities. When selecting gum, look for the ADA seal on the package. This seal indicates that xylitol is present in that particular brand of gum.Some gums have a specific sugar called xylitol in them. This sugar is unlike other sugars in that it decreases the likelihood of cavities. When selecting gum, look for the ADA seal on the package. This seal indicates that xylitol... More
