Gum & Your Teeth

For a long time, dentist’s were against chewing gum, believing it was unequivocally bad for the teeth – but now, that’s changing. While sugary gum is still bad for teeth and can cause cavities, some experts are saying that chewing sugar-free gum can have a positive impact on the teeth by removing leftover bits of food and plaque. Most of these sugarless gums contain xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that won’t cause cavities or feed bacteria. Wondering where to start? Here are a few brands of gum that may improve dental health!

  • Spry: This dedicated sugar-free gum is loaded with xylitol, which means it packs the flavor punch of regular chewing gum without the danger to teeth.
  • Xylichew: This gum brand contains as much xylitol as Spry, making it a safe, dentist-approved choice for your chewing gum habit.
  • Recaldent: This brand not only contains no sugar, but will help to remineralize teeth, restoring vital minerals like fluoride that are lost during the process of decay.
  • Trident: While not explicitly sugar-free, if there’s no other option, Trident is better than most major gum brands. Trident contains .17 mg of xylitol, which means it isn’t as damaging to your teeth as other brands that rely solely on sugar for sweetening.

Ultimately, what matters isn’t necessarily the brand of gum: what’s most important is chewing gum that’s sugar-free, sweetened with xylitol, and has the ADA Seal. Chewing sugar-free gum after and during meals can help to dislodge bits of leftover food, clean the teeth of bacteria and plaque, and keep your breath feeling fresh and your saliva flowing. While it’s certainly not a panacea, sugar-free gum is another tool in your toolbox for maintaining a healthy smile!

Contact Your Dentist in Cottonwood, AZ

Interested in learning more about how chewing gum can protect your teeth or want to schedule an appointment for a more in-depth dental treatment? The dentists at AZ Smile Designers would love to help. Call us today at 928.634.8610 to learn more about the treatments we offer and schedule a consultation for treatment. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we hope you enjoy trying one of these sugar-free gums after your next meal!