The Lesser Known Chewing Gum Benefits For Your Oral Health

You can spot chewing gum anywhere and everywhere. They’re sold across the country and consumed by lakhs and lakhs of people on a daily basis. Some people might use it to fight bad breath, while some use it as a way to pass the time and chew on something sweet. But can something so innocent actually benefit your gums? In this article, we’ll take you through the lesser-known advantages of chewing gum.

What makes chewing gums unhealthy?

Are chewing gums bad for you? Yes and no. While chewing gum can be an enjoyable activity, not all gums are made the same. Most traditional gums contain excessive amounts of sugar, directly leading to tooth decay and gum issues. This extreme quantity of sugar creates the perfect surroundings for germs, bacteria and plaque to thrive, which eventually leads to tartar and dental cavities.

The effects of artificial sugar or sweeteners

And if you thought that you could choose any sugar-free gum as a healthier alternative, you’re wrong. Even many gums that are marketed as ‘sugar-free gums’ contain several artificial sweeteners or sugar which are very alarming on their own. Studies have shown that these artificial sugars have negative effects on gut health and may also disrupt the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria. While research on the same is not of a consequential amount, there are a few links between artificial sweeteners in gums and negative effects on teeth and gum health.

So, which chewing gum is good for health?

If you want a gum that is good for your teeth, then opt for a sugarless gum that contains a non-cavity-causing sweetener like Xylitol. This not only provides a sweet taste but is supposed to have a few dental benefits too. Xylitol reduces cavity-causing bacteria growth and balances the natural acid in the mouth thereby making it a healthier oral environment.

4 Chewing Gum Benefits You Might Not Know About

1. Cavity Prevention through Xylitol

A chewing gum that is good for your teeth, sweetened with alternatives like xylitol, stands as a potent weapon in the ongoing battle against cavities. Xylitol has demonstrated its ability to hinder the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, disrupting the formation of plaque and reducing the risk of tooth decay. By maintaining a healthier balance in the oral microbiome, xylitol emerges as a natural defender against cavities, making sugarless gum a proactive choice for dental health.

2. Saliva Stimulation for Comprehensive Oral Health

The primary benefit of chewing sugarless gum lies in its capacity to stimulate saliva production. Saliva, a cornerstone of oral health, boasts the power to neutralise acids, remineralize enamel, and sweep away lingering food particles. The increased saliva flow induced by gum chewing creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, curbing their ability to thrive and mitigating oral health concerns. This natural defence mechanism not only promotes fresher breath but also significantly reduces the likelihood of developing cavities and related issues.

3. Gum Health Boost through Increased Blood Flow

Beyond cavity prevention, the act of chewing itself contributes to better blood flow to the gums. Enhanced circulation facilitates the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to gum tissues, promoting their overall well-being. This increased blood flow proves particularly beneficial for individuals prone to gum issues, offering a straightforward yet effective means of supporting gum health.

4. Relief for Dry Mouth

One other important chewing gum benefit is that if you are dealing with dry mouth, chewing a sugarless gum can be very helpful. It stimulates saliva production which decreases discomfort and makes the oral environment more comfortable.

In conclusion, the benefits of chewing gum go beyond a simple pastime. By choosing a chewing gum that is good for your teeth, you can actively contribute to a healthier oral environment. From preventing cavities and improving gum health to relieving dry mouth, sugarless gum can be a convenient and enjoyable way of promoting overall oral well-being.

So, the next time you reach for a piece of gum, consider opting for a sugarless variety to maximise the positive impact on your teeth and gums!

So, how to look for the best gum to chew for your teeth?

When searching for the best gum for your teeth:

• focus on sugarless options that contain xylitol or other non-cariogenic sweeteners.
• look for products that are labelled "sugar-free" and "dentist-recommended."
• avoid gums with high sugar content, as they can contribute to dental issues.
• check for additional oral health benefits, such as those that claim to strengthen enamel or promote gum health.

Boost your oral health with makeO toothsi

But even all of these above-mentioned chewing gum benefits cannot be your only hope for a healthy and robust dental health. To amp things up and ensure that your pearly whites and gums are in great condition, you must bring out the big guns! makeO toothsi is a leading oral care brand that will help you with just that. Our modern, sleek and highly effective oral care products such as our toothsi electro and toothsi smart water flosser are just what you need to fend off bacterial growth, wash away food particles, fight bad breath and plaque and promote overall oral hygiene. So, don’t just rely on chewing gum, be proactive and take the next steps with makeO toothsi!

FAQs

What are the chewing gum benefits for teeth?

Chewing gum, especially sugarless varieties with xylitol, can stimulate saliva production, neutralise acids, and wash away food particles, potentially reducing the risk of cavities.

What are the advantages of chewing gums that are sugar-free versus conventional ones?

Sugarless gum, with non-cavity-causing sweeteners like xylitol fight against bacterial growth and plaque buildup. Infact, these gums can improve oral health by increasing saliva production, negating bad breath and keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

Can you recommend a chewing gum that is good for overall health?

Opt for sugar-free gums with xylitol, as they are considered better for oral health, promoting saliva production and potentially reducing the risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Is there a specific gum that is good for your teeth and gums?

Keep a look out for chewing gums with labels such as “sugar-free” and “dentist recommended” as these may be good for your teeth and gums.

Do sugarless gums have any adverse effects on teeth?

There are limited studies done on the effect of sugarless gums. They are typically considered safe but many of them do contain some amount of harmful artificial sweeteners. However, if you choose a non-cavity-causing sweetener in your gum, you can improve your saliva production, blood flow and have an overall healthy oral environment.