Are You A Gum Chewer?

Posted by

gum1Do you chew gum? Most people have probably chewed gum at least one time in their lives. Some people don’t enjoy chewing gum, others do. Some chew only as a last resort to freshen their breath. Gum chewing has had mixed reviews. Some say gum chewing is bad no matter what. Others say gum chewing is okay depending on what gum you chew. What is your opinion about chewing gum? Are you a naysayer? Take our true or false quiz below to determine whether or not chewing gum is okay.

True or False

  1. True or False: Gum chewing is bad for your teeth.
  2. True or False: Not all gum is bad for your teeth.
  3. True or False: Chewing gum increases saliva flow which is good for your teeth.
  4. True or False: If you’re going to chew gum, choose a sugar-free gum that contains xylitol.

Answers

  1. True: Chewing sugary gums like hard sugary gumballs or other gums high in sugar can promote tooth decay. The sugar coats your teeth and gums attracting pathogenic oral bacteria that metabolize the sugar and produce harmful acids as a result. These acids dissolve your tooth enamel, and the longer they remain on your teeth the worse the damage.
  2. True: Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can actually be beneficial to the health of your teeth by helping to prevent tooth decay. Sugar-free gums can help neutralize the acids released by pathogenic oral bacteria as they metabolize the sugars and starches left on your teeth.
  3. True: When chewing gum, saliva flow is stimulated ten-fold. Saliva is good for your teeth in many ways. Saliva helps remineralize your tooth enamel; it cleans your teeth by washing away harmful bacteria, sugars, starches, and food debris; and it helps neutralize the acids in your mouth.
  4. True: Xylitol has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a harmful oral bacteria that causes cavities and contributes to periodontal disease.

ABOUT YOUR SHERIDAN DENTISTS:

Questions about our Sheridan, WY dentist office? To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us at (307) 672-7567. We welcome residents of Sheridan, Gillette, Billings, Miles City, and the neighboring communities.