Chewing gum, in some form or another, is an old hobby. Mastiche, or mastic tree sap, was chewed by the ancient Greeks. Mayans enjoyed the sap from the sapodilla tree throughout the world. Native Americans in New England chewed the sap of a spruce tree. The European settlers in the region embraced this practice. With the assistance of technological technology, modern people have moved away from chewing sap.
Today’s gums are made from synthetic resin, wax, and elastomer (a natural latex material that provides elasticity). Chewing gum is often classified as a sweet. On the other hand, Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis sees this sticky infection as an essential aid in preventing dental caries.
What Exactly Is Sugar-Free Gum?
According to Children’s Dentist Indianapolis IN, Sugar-free gum is sweetened with sugar alcohols or artificial sugars such as xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener found in vegetables and fruits, rather than sugar. It has half the sugar calories and is safe to take even for people with diabetes. Xylitol, like sugar, is quickly taken by bacteria. Once ingested, the bacteria will spend their energy ejecting the xylitol rather than reproducing, making it less able to attach to your teeth and causing them to die off. Sugar-free gum includes no more than 0.5 g of sugar per serving.
How Can Increased Saliva Flow Benefit Dental Health?
Chewing stimulates saliva production. When you chew gum after a meal, the increased saliva helps neutralize the acids and keep them out of your mouth. This acid type is formed when plaque bacteria break down food on your teeth. This corrosive chemical will eventually destroy the delicate enamel of the teeth, paving the way for decay and disease. When more saliva is available, the flow can transfer more enamel-strengthening calcium and phosphate.
What Is The Mechanism Through Which Sugar-Free Gum Works?
Although sugar-free gum is good for the reasons stated above, sugar-containing gum eliminates those advantages by introducing additional sugar into your mouth. Sugar intake should be limited for best oral health, even in the form of gum, since bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and make acids that cause decay.
According to Children Dental Indianapolis IN, When you eat sweet gum, the sugar dissolves in your saliva and is absorbed by the bacteria in plaque. When a bacterial cell takes sugar, it obtains the energy required for reproduction. If you do not eliminate the bacteria by brushing your teeth, it will increase and cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Chewing gum with xylitol instead of sugar, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener found in fruits and vegetables. It has less than half the sugar calories and is safe to take even for people with diabetes. Xylitol, like sugar, is quickly taken by bacteria. However, once ingested, it is expelled by the bacteria. Because the bacterium expends its energy emitting xylitol rather than growing, it cannot adhere to the teeth. It eventually dies.
In What Ways Does Chewing Gum Reduce The Risk Of Tooth Decay?
Studies have shown that chewing gum without sugar for 20 minutes after each meal can significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Chewing gum now comes in various flavors, some of which have added medicinal benefits. Some, for example, contain active agents that help prevent remnants of tooth decay. Other options focus on plaque reduction, tartar management, and gingivitis prevention.
Is Chewing Gum Can Replace Brushing And Flossing?
Chewing gum is not a substitute for proper brushing and flossing. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day are still the most effective ways to maintain good oral health. Chewing gum without sugar is a great alternative when you don’t have access to a toothbrush or toothpaste.
Sugar-free gums are stamped with ADA approval. A corporation must receive this industry award that meets specific impact requirements. Sweet chewing gum with mannitol, sorbitol, or aspartame is permissible because these ingredients do not create cavities. Branded products should be shown to increase saliva to strengthen teeth and reduce plaque.
Is Sugar-Free Gum Healthy?
Sugar-free gum is not nearly as terrible for you to chew as conventional gum and may even have some potential advantages.
Increased saliva production has also been demonstrated to improve the enamel of your teeth, which is the hard mineralized material that covers the surface of the teeth. Chewing gum stimulates saliva, which has a more significant concentration of your teeth’ proteins to protect against the erosive acids in meals and beverages.
More Advantages Of Sugar-Free Gum Chewing
In addition to providing excellent dental health advantages, Gum chewing may also be used as a diet aid. Sugarless gum provides just approximately 5 or 10 calories per piece. Chewing regularly might assist in curbing food cravings and binge eating. Another advantage is that the increased saliva flow results in more frequent swallowing. This may improve intestinal motility and reduce acid reflux.
Cavities Should Be Avoided
If you use sugar-free gum 20 minutes after eating, you will be less likely to develop cavities. By stimulating saliva production, the gums help remove food particles. It also helps neutralize cavity-causing germs.
Enamel Strengthening
The acid in your mouth causes cavities and may also erode your enamel. Chewing gum may help preserve your enamel by reducing acid. You are less prone to develop cavities if your enamel is stronger.
Reduce Sensitivity of the Teeth
One of the adverse effects of having your teeth professionally whitened is sensitivity. On the other hand, Chewing sugar-free gum may help to minimize dental sensitivity. Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN found that patients who consumed sugarless gum after whitening their teeth had less sensitivity. Sugarless gum, according to researchers, helps avoid sensitivity by boosting saliva production.
Refresh Your Breath
Sugar-free gum improves the health of your teeth and helps to refresh your breath. Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in the majority of sugar-free gums. This dessert helps to refresh your breath. In addition, sugar-free gums help keep your breath fresh by eliminating harmful germs.
