Hello South Jersey gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help prevent cavities? That’s the question we’re asking in today’s EHT cosmetic dental blog.

It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sugar-based gum can help remove bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.

However, gums with some alternative sweeteners have an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque buildup. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal. The ADA Seal is your assurance that the sugar-free chewing gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Don’t let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It’s not a substitute. Dr. Erik Mendelsohn still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss.

Of course, brushing and flossing are a better option for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol to chew. So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the EHT area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done!

Dr. Erik Mendelsohn wants all of his patients to have the best oral health possible!

If you have any questions about how to improve your oral health, or if you would like to learn more about any of our cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and complete smile makeovers, give us a call today at (609) 646-1989.

We specialize in dental implants, porcelain veneers, and dental crowns. Contact the staff of Serenity Smile Designs today for an appointment!