In this blog post from Dr. Howard Kessner General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Dallas, we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that gum can freshen your breath, but how is it for your dental health?
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can 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 diminish plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes tooth 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 is the best thing for your dental health, but when you can’t brush, pick a sugarless gum with xylitol.
At Dr. Howard Kessner General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Dallas, we care sbout the dental health of each one of our patients. Our services include general and restorative dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!
Contact Dr. Howard Kessner General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:
972-248-8525
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7522 Campbell Rd #120
Dallas, Texas
75248
