Chewing Gum: A Replacement for Brushing and Flossing?
Most people have probably heard at one point that chewing gum after a mean can remove plaque. Is there any truth to this? Why bother brushing and flossing if chewing gum can keep your teeth clean?
According to Delta Dental, chewing gum can be beneficial, but it depends on what type of gum. As you may have expected, chewing gum containing sugar is advised against as it could lead to a cavity. However, that is not the case for sugar-free gum.
Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can help by neutralizing acids that can be released by bacteria. This bacteria results from plaque that builds up – so the saying is true, it can help control plaque. But did you know that it can do more than that?
Chewing gum can also help stimulate the flow of saliva. This is beneficial for your oral health because an increased amount of saliva can help remove particles of food from being stuck in your teeth, in addition to also helping to neutralize the acids.
However, it is advised that if you experience jaw pain, you should not chew gum (for obvious reasons).
To conclude, chewing gum is not a proper replacement for brushing or flossing – though, when used in unison with those, it could lead to outstanding oral health!
