In this post from Weston Spencer DDS in La Jolla CA we’re going to talk about that sticky gum in your mouth. 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 you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. 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 Weston Spencer DDS in La Jolla CA we offer complete general dentistry. Patients from Solano Beach, Del Mar, and Claremont also come to our office for cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!
Contact Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry:
858-683-1301
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7855 Fay Avenue Suite 110
La Jolla, California
92037