You can’t go past a cash register in a grocery store, pharmacy or convenience store these days without running into a display rack of chewing gum. It’s an American favorite.
You might think that, like most candy, chewing gum can only do damage to your teeth, but the surprising truth is that there is such a thing as gum that is good for your teeth.
Any Sugarless Gum Can Help Clean Your Teeth
According to the Oral Health Foundation you don’t need to chew gum advertised as cavity-fighting in order to improve your oral health. Chewing any regular sugar free gum can help prevent cavities by removing food particles from the surfaces of your teeth. Chewing also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps clear away food, strengthen teeth, and reduce the levels of acid in your mouth that cause tooth decay.
Xylitol Is Sweet for Your Teeth
Chewing gum is even more effective at preventing cavities if it contains a sugar replacement called Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener. Studies have shown it can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Since Xylitol, is not suitable for bacteria, this leaves your mouth a safer place for your teeth.