Clinical research has shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can greatly assist with preventing tooth decay in Nu Dentistry. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps wash away food and other debris attached to the surface areas of our teeth. Increased saliva flow even carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Look for gum with the ADA seal in order to be sure it is sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing additives like aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.
Not All Gum Is Created Equal
Of course, gum that contains sugar also increases saliva flow, however, the sugar it contains is utilized by plaque bacteria to create corrosion inducing acids. Further research must be done to ascertain the effects of sugary gum on pre-existing tooth decay. Do not let sugarless gum replace brushing, it isn't a substitute. The ADA still advocates brushing with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once per day with floss or other interdental cleaners. The ADA seal is your assurance that the sugar-free gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and efficacy. You can always trust the claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA approved goods are true because companies need to confirm all the info with the ADA first. Products with the ADA seal state what they do and do what they say.
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