Chewing Gum for Your Oral Health | 68765 Dentist

68765 dentist

Sugary, sticky, and sweet candies can damage your teeth by increasing your risk of decay. Though gum can be considered a type of candy, chewing sugarless gum approved by the ADA can actually help protect teeth and prevent tooth decay. Here’s what our dentist in 68765 needs you to know about gum and your teeth.

How it Works

Chewing gum helps increase the production of saliva. Chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay because the saliva helps wash away food and other debris from the surface of your teeth. Increased salivary flow can also neutralize acids that bacteria produce inside your mouth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, leading to decay. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening tooth enamel.

Look for the ADA Seal

The ADA Seal assures you that the gum is sugarless and has met the ADA’s criteria for safety and effectiveness. ADA-labeled products are tested to ensure they provide the benefits guaranteed by the seal. Companies must verify all relevant data with the ADA to become certified. If you are unable to brush for a short period of time, chewing gum with the ADA seal is a great option to help clean your teeth and maintain your oral hygiene after a meal or snack.

Can I Stop Brushing if I Chew Gum?

No. Chewing gum for twenty minutes after a meal helps but is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. You should brush at least twice each day, for two full minutes. Chewing gum also does not eliminate your need for regular dental examinations. Our dentist recommends scheduling two visits each year, with additional visits necessary for high-risk patients with oral health conditions.

Chewing sugarless gum has noticeable benefits for your oral health, such as increasing the production of saliva. While this can help prevent the build up of decay-causing bacteria, chewing gum should not be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing. Our dentist recommends that if you are chewing gum, be sure to choose an ADA approved brand of sugarless gum.

To schedule your next visit, please contact our dental office in Osmond, NE.

Family 1st Dental of Osmond
Phone: (402) 748-3713
408 North State Street
Osmond, NE 68765

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Osmond Dental Office

Dentist Osmond

Osmond Location

408 N State Street,
Osmond, NE 68765

(402) 748-3713

Whx9PMnw

Our Dental News

Dentist Osmond

Exploring the Potential Link Between Gum Disease and Cancer: What You Need to Know | Osmond Dentist

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by bacterial infection of the gum tissue, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. […]

Learn More
Osmond NE Dentist

Are Your Medications Damaging Your Oral Health? | Osmond NE Dentist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans are currently taking prescription medications and more than half take vitamins or other dietary supplements. Even when used as directed and under medical supervision, you […]

Learn More
Osmond NE dentist

Protecting Your Child’s Smile: The Importance of Mouth guards in Sports | Osmond NE Dentist

Mouth guards are an essential piece of protective gear for children who play sports. Sports-related dental injuries can be serious, painful, and costly to treat. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are […]

Learn More