Can chewing gum really clean your mouth?

You may have heard that chewing gum can help clean your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthy, but is this true? Well, the short answer is yes! It’s surprising, but chewing gum can be a very handy weapon to keep your breath fresh, teeth strong and mouth free of the acids and bacteria that lead to tooth decay.

But it’s not as simple as picking up any old packet of gum in the supermarket. Read on to find out our top tips on how chewing gum can help clean your mouth.

Sugar vs sugar free

First of all, it’s really important to choose the right type of chewing gum - otherwise you’ll be doing more damage than good. Avoid sugary varieties at all costs, as these will just contribute to the amount of sugar in your mouth, and therefore put you at risk of acid attacks and tooth decay.

Instead, always keep some sugar-free chewing gum handy. Pop a packet in your pocket, or keep a few sticks in your desk drawer so you always have some to hand. The sugar-free varieties will give you all the benefits without risking your dental health.

How does it work?

So, now you have your packet of sugar-free gum, you might be wondering how chewing on this can help keep your mouth healthy. Put simply, the act of chewing will help create more saliva in your mouth, which will then help to wash away sugar, acid and any leftover food in your mouth which may turn into plaque. This will neutralise your mouth - especially if you chew gum shortly after finishing a snack or meal - and remove any food debris.

By reducing the sugar, acid and bacteria in your mouth, you’ll help to prevent the development of plaque, cavities and tooth decay. This will also help to keep your breath fresher - and the minty flavour is just an added bonus!

What is xylitol?

You may notice that some sugar-free chewing gums are sweetened with something called xylitol. This naturally-occurring sugar substitute has several health benefits, including helping to keep your mouth clean.

Xylitol helps to prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans, one of the oral bacteria that cause cavities. In the presence of xylitol, the bacteria lose the ability to adhere to the tooth, stunting the cavity-causing process. This means fewer of the bad bacteria will survive on the surface of your teeth. Combined with the beneficial effects of extra saliva production, this can really help keep your mouth in tip-top condition.

Looking for more teeth tips, or in need of a check-up? Get in touch with our friendly team of Edinburgh dentists to book your appointment today! newtowndentalcare.co.uk/contact