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How does chewing gum stimulate the flow of saliva?

American Dental Association
American Dental Association
answer
Chewing gum after a snack or meal stimulates salivary flow, clearing food from the mouth and neutralizing plaque acid. Gum chewing stimulates saliva production by up to 10 times the normal rate. Stimulating salivary flow changes the chemistry of the saliva. Stimulated saliva contains higher concentrations of bicarbonate, helping it to buffer plaque acid and fight tooth decay.

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