If you’re looking for a simple, quick way to boost your oral health, sugar-free gum is the surprising answer you’ve been searching for. While it doesn’t replace the recommended teeth cleaning and flossing routine, sugar-free gum offers several benefits to your dental health that are worth knowing.

Why Is Sugar-Free Gum Beneficial to Teeth?

1. Natural Cleaning

It isn’t always possible to brush your teeth immediately after every meal, so chew sugar-free gum when you’re on-the-go to prevent damage until you can brush them. Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, and since it contains anti-bacterial properties, you can lower your risk of forming plaque by munching on a piece. Additionally, fewer amounts of plaque reduce the chances of it hardening into tartar, which causes gum disease. Unlike standard gum, a sugar-free piece doesn’t contain sweeteners that feed bacteria, so you’re less likely to develop cavities and a need for root canals.

2. Fresher Breath

Chewing minty, sugar-free gum will temporarily freshen your breath and rid your mouth of your meal’s pungent ingredients. If you haven’t eaten recently and are experiencing a bout of odorous breath, this could be due to several other issues, such as bacteria buildup, decaying food particles, and dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva production, which will wash away bacteria and lingering food particles as well as hydrate the mouth.

3. Stronger Enamel

Most sugar-free gums are sweetened with a substance called xylitol, which coats your teeth as you chew. This sugar substitute neutralizes the acids in your mouth from food, drinks, and bacteria that cause softening or loss of the protective enamel. Chewing will increase the saliva flow, which will deliver key minerals, like calcium, that will strengthen your teeth.

If you’d like more tips on how to naturally care for your mouth between teeth cleanings, contact the knowledgeable team at Aina Haina Dental Group in Honolulu, HI. For over 30 years, their skilled dentists have offered East Honolulu residents with comprehensive dental care, including root canal therapy, routine teeth cleanings, gum disease treatment, fillings, and porcelain crowns. They welcome patients of all ages and are open six days a week to accommodate busy schedules. Learn more about their general dentistry services online, or call (808) 373-2184 to book a teeth cleaning appointment.