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    3 reasons chewing gum is good for your teeth

    Updated:18 Apr 2016 3:15 PM | Posted by
    bh's Cherie Herrmann's picture
    bh's Cherie Herrmann
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    Why dentists think sugar-free chewing gum is good for teeth

    The act of chewing gum sounds rather naughty, doesn’t it? And maybe even a little childlike? This is true where bright coloured balls of flavoured gum are concerned, but the sugar-free varieties you see dotted around the supermarkets and convenience stores are actually anything but.

    Chewing sugar-free gum as an adult is actually ridiculously good for your teeth, and something we should all be doing daily. So, instead of reaching for a sweet treat after each meal, tuck into some minted gum and you’ll not only satisfy your craving, but make your teeth extremely happy, too.

    3 REASONS CHEWING GUM IS GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH

    #1. It helps clean your teeth

    Do you brush your teeth each time you’ve finished eating? Didn’t think so. But don’t worry – just pop some gum into your mouth and consider the job done. Well, almost. Because the act of chewing sugar-free gum stimulates a high rate of saliva flow, food particles wedged in between your teeth, in your mouth and on the surface of your teeth are rinsed away. This doesn’t mean you can ditch the toothbrush altogether, but it does mean you don’t need to take it with you here, there and everywhere.

    #2. It reduces acid wear

    After you eat, the acid levels in your mouth rise, which is bad news for your teeth. Too much acid in your mouth causes your tooth enamel to soften, putting them at great risk of dental erosion, which leads to cavities. Chewing gum reduces this acid attack by helping the mouth produce more saliva. As its main natural defence against acid, the mouth can then help replace any lost minerals through the increase in saliva, effectively re-strengthening the teeth.

    #3. The sweetener Xylitol actually helps prevent cavities

    Sugar is bad for your teeth, this we know. Yet despite its sweet, sugary taste, Xylitol is actually good for your teeth. This naturally occurring sweetener that’s commonly used in gum is mighty effective at preventing cavities because it doesn’t act as fuel for the nasty organisms living in your mouth like real sugar does. The means bacteria levels are reduced, making your mouth a safer place for your teeth to inhabit.
     

    Added bonus: chewing gum also combats bad breath and dry mouth, which are caused by a lack of saliva. Yes, we already know the minty flavour makes our breathe smell instantly fresher, but because your mouth naturally produces more saliva while you’re chewing, it targets the cause of your stinky breath at the same time.

    Did you know chewing sugar-free gum had so many health benefits for your teeth? How often do you chew gum? Will you be popping a few pellets into your mouth after eating from now on?
     

    125 Member Comments

    Strawberries 17 Mar 2014 1:31 PM

    I used to chew gum all the time- after every meal, but havent as much lately. I usually have a pack on me and will be making an effort to get back to chewing :)

    Sarah707 1 Feb 2014 1:52 AM

    I actually try to avoid gum as I feel hungry afterwards especially if I didn't eat anything before. Maybe I should try it after lunch today.

    ecnalubma 31 Jan 2014 6:04 AM

    Must get my hubby to read this - he absolutely HATES it when I chew gum. I try to tell him it IS a mouth-friendly, tooth-health habit, but for some reason he's still not convinced...

    Peacock-Phoenix 29 Jan 2014 6:29 AM

    I chew gum almost everyday - for the reasons listed above, but also because it's impossible to snack when you have a piece of gun in your mouth, so it can aid self-control and therefore assist in better eating habits! :)

    apple8 23 Jan 2014 11:02 AM

    Sounds good, will get into a habit of buying gum.

    skitzkitty 20 Dec 2013 8:06 AM

    I always have gum on hand - great that it's good for your teeth too!

    hmb05 12 Dec 2013 3:40 AM

    I chew strawberry extra after meals to trick me into thinking I'm having a treat!

    Ktleaf (not verified) 22 Nov 2013 2:22 PM

    love it =D

    Scray Scray 21 Nov 2013 6:35 AM

    I always have a pack of extra handy =) It combats bad breath for one thing!

    Goldcat 20 Nov 2013 9:03 PM

    Over chewing is not good either.

    Gofton 19 Nov 2013 9:03 PM

    I chew gum after every meal and that's probably why I get lots of wind pain! So for me there's pros and cons. I floss all the time too and rinse but still I get cavities. It's really annoying when you do everything right and still you just can't win!

    Linda_Vesinger 18 Nov 2013 4:37 PM

    Gum's great for post meals, I like to carry a pack of Extra with me

    Petal 17 Oct 2013 8:40 AM

    I had to stop buying gum when I was a teenager as I accidentally swallowed it too many times. I don't know if I want to go back to it again.

    Nikikaycool 9 Oct 2013 1:28 AM

    THANKYOU... i chew gum everyday and am tired of being told how bad it is for me -_-

    ChannyyyLove 4 Oct 2013 10:47 PM

    I knew I liked chewing gum for a reason.

    Bronte380 1 Oct 2013 5:40 AM

    Used to make fun of my partner for how often he chews gym.. But it's probably a good thing he does then! :)

    Michelle240 30 Sep 2013 6:20 AM

    I love chewing gum, good to know its so good for my teeth too!

    Vi 30 Sep 2013 3:48 AM

    I didn't know chewing gum had so many benefits. I used to chew gum a lot more frequently years ago but I don't as much these days. I always have some in my bag but I don't put one in my mouth as often as I used too. Now that I know the benefits I will be chewing more gum.

    elmorules 28 Sep 2013 5:25 AM

    So does that mean I can go back to blowing bubbles again . That's why I had to stop chewing gum.

    Aleisharobinson_ 26 Sep 2013 1:34 AM

    all good ideas, but what about how bad artificial sweeteners are for you?

    Love bug 25 Sep 2013 8:03 AM

    I've read on websites and heard on youtube that chewing gum can actually increases your likelihood of wrinkles on because of how many times you stretch your skin when chewing gum and it overtime reduces the elasticiity and collagen on the face. Im not sure if it is one hundred percent true but I hope it isnt because I chew gum pretty much everyday and absolutely lurrv it...

    Love bug 25 Sep 2013 8:00 AM

    I love chewing gum and the only sort of gum I do chew now are spearmint or regular mint gums, the blue or green ones from Extra. I use to enjoy the sugary gums when I was a kid but I've learnt they're not great for your teeth and they dont really help in the fresh breath department either...plus they make me feel sick after a bit.

    chunky.monkeys 17 Sep 2013 4:42 AM

    Wow I didn't realise sugar free gum was so good for teeth!

    Trudz 16 Sep 2013 9:56 AM

    Xylitol may help cavities, but I am pretty sure that it was gives you stomach issues in sugar free treats.

    Shodbear 15 Sep 2013 12:48 PM

    I recently just re started popping some good chewy in, mostly because I hate having bad breath. Forgot about the other benefits! yay :)

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