3 reasons chewing gum is good for your teeth

The act of chewing gum sounds rather naughty, doesn’t it? And maybe even a little childlike? This is true where bright coloured balls of flavoured gum are concerned, but the sugar-free varieties you see dotted around the supermarkets and convenience stores are actually anything but.
Chewing sugar-free gum as an adult is actually ridiculously good for your teeth, and something we should all be doing daily. So, instead of reaching for a sweet treat after each meal, tuck into some minted gum and you’ll not only satisfy your craving, but make your teeth extremely happy, too.
3 REASONS CHEWING GUM IS GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH
#1. It helps clean your teeth
Do you brush your teeth each time you’ve finished eating? Didn’t think so. But don’t worry – just pop some gum into your mouth and consider the job done. Well, almost. Because the act of chewing sugar-free gum stimulates a high rate of saliva flow, food particles wedged in between your teeth, in your mouth and on the surface of your teeth are rinsed away. This doesn’t mean you can ditch the toothbrush altogether, but it does mean you don’t need to take it with you here, there and everywhere.
#2. It reduces acid wear
After you eat, the acid levels in your mouth rise, which is bad news for your teeth. Too much acid in your mouth causes your tooth enamel to soften, putting them at great risk of dental erosion, which leads to cavities. Chewing gum reduces this acid attack by helping the mouth produce more saliva. As its main natural defence against acid, the mouth can then help replace any lost minerals through the increase in saliva, effectively re-strengthening the teeth.
#3. The sweetener Xylitol actually helps prevent cavities
Sugar is bad for your teeth, this we know. Yet despite its sweet, sugary taste, Xylitol is actually good for your teeth. This naturally occurring sweetener that’s commonly used in gum is mighty effective at preventing cavities because it doesn’t act as fuel for the nasty organisms living in your mouth like real sugar does. The means bacteria levels are reduced, making your mouth a safer place for your teeth to inhabit.
Added bonus: chewing gum also combats bad breath and dry mouth, which are caused by a lack of saliva. Yes, we already know the minty flavour makes our breathe smell instantly fresher, but because your mouth naturally produces more saliva while you’re chewing, it targets the cause of your stinky breath at the same time.
Did you know chewing sugar-free gum had so many health benefits for your teeth? How often do you chew gum? Will you be popping a few pellets into your mouth after eating from now on?
125 Member Comments
Have to start chewing gum again now, after being told for years its not good
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I’m not a gum chewer, I usually swallow it.
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Excellent, I love my gum, but not too much
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Yes I like gum, just not at work as I speak to people
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This was interesting! As an ex-dental assistant, I always have gum in my bag for after coffee and food when I'm out. I was a bit worried about the aspartame (spelling?) though, as it is an artificial sweetener known to mess with the healthy biomes in the gut. Given these benefits though, I'll remain a gum chewer! (I use Extra whitening.)
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It does, yet contains other artificial sweetener nasties that can erode tooth enamel. Quick mouthwash, charcoal and oil pulling help. Otherwise a mint spray.
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I don't chew gum often as I find that it gives me a headache
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I'm not really a fan of chewing gum. I don't really like the idea of chewing gum and having dislodged food particles in my mouth at the same time, so that's not really a benefit for me!
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I seem to like to chew gum in the car lol
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I like chewing gum - I just don't like doing it in front of others or others doing it in front of me.
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I like chewing gum but not in public. Bit rude!
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Will be chewing gums from now onwards.
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Gums are full of nasties that not even stupidest bacteria won't touch them!
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And now I can prove to my mum why I need gum. 😃
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I hate chewing gum. I prefer a minty or something like that to freshen breath. I didn't know that about Xylitol though, very interesting.
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I love the extra gum range.
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Very interesting, I'm always worried chewing gum will lift my fillings or crown.
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I like chewing gum after meals to help clean teeth
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Great article
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I have heard that. I will be chewing gum more often
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