Saliva helps in keeping your mouth moist. Flow of saliva increases when you eat and chew and also neutralizes the acid produced after you eat sugary and starchy food.
When you combine the flow of saliva with sugarless gums, there is a new opportunity for stimulating more saliva flow. But it is the type of gum you chew that will make a difference. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of sugarless gums for oral health.
Sugar free gums help in cleaning teeth
According to the studies, chewing sugar free gum after meal and snacks can help in rinsing off and neutralizing the acids released by bacteria in the plaque that are harmful to the enamel of the teeth. Chewing and also the flavor in the gum stimulates more saliva. Saliva not only neutralizes acids but also washes away the left over food particles.
Xylitol reduces the bacteria that causes decay
Chewing gum that is sweetened with xylitol inhibits the growth of oral bacteria called as streptococcus mutans that cause cavities. When chewing gum containing xylitol, the bacteria lose the ability to adhere to the tooth. Using xylitol over a period of time, the type of bacteria changes and fewer decay causing bacteria survive on the surface of the tooth.
Chewing gum help prevent plaque build up
Plaque is the white sticky film that forms on the surface of the teeth. If not removed, it gets hardened above the gum line and it is difficult to remove it. Therefore, removing bacterial plaque after every meal and snacks is very important. Sugar free gums help neutralize acids formed by bacterial plaque that are the main culprits for causing tooth decay.
Chewing gum helps with bad breath
There are billions of bacteria in the mouth. Most of the bacteria live at the back of the tongue. Tongue acts as a breeding ground for these bacteria, which not removed can cause bad breath. Sugar free gums with strong scents will not only cover the unwanted odor, but also the help in fighting with the odor causing bacteria.
The bottomline is that chewing sugar free gum after eating can be a good oral hygiene practice.