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While regular brushing, flossing, and visits with your dentist are the best ways to take care of your oral hygiene, there are still small habits you can adopt that will make a difference over time. Chewing sugar-free gum is one simple way to care for your oral health in between your dentist appointments. Consider the following benefits of incorporating sugar-free gum into your daily hygiene routine.

What Are the Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum?

While you may be used to chewing gum to freshen your breath, there is actually research from the American Dental Association that shows sugar-free varieties may be effective in preventing cavities. Chewing sugarless come for at least 20 minutes after you eat a meal can actually fight tooth decay by increasing the saliva flow in your mouth, which helps to wash away food particles.

dentistThis improved saliva flow can also help to break up the food that gets stuck between your teeth – a common spot for plaque to hide. Xylitol, a main ingredient in sugarless gum, helps protect and remineralize your tooth enamel by neutralizing acids that attack it.

Additionally, if you’ve recently had a teeth-whitening treatment from your dentist and are experiencing transient sensitivity, you can reduce this by chewing sugar-free gum. The increase in saliva coats your teeth, serving as a barrier between your teeth and temperatures that cause discomfort.

Why Should You Opt for Sugarless?

It’s easy to assume any kind of chewing gum will provide these benefits; after all, doesn’t all gum improve saliva production? Unfortunately, regular gum is loaded with sugar, which the bacteria in your mouth feeds off of, and if not properly removed, will accelerate plaque growth. If you don’t regularly brush and floss to combat this plaque, you have a higher chance of developing cavities or gum disease.

 

If you’re looking for additional ways to care for your oral health, talk with the professionals at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. Founded in 1964, the dentist on staff offers the services you need to improve the health of your family’s smile, whether you need preventative treatments, like cleanings, or restorative work, like fillings. To learn more about Anchorage Dental Center and their oral hygiene philosophy, visit them online or call (907) 278-2521.

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