The Benefits of Chewing Gum

Not many people are aware that it is okay to chew gum, and even more are not aware of the many benefits that can be experienced by regularly chewing gum when it comes to your overall dental health and hygiene.

Over the years acid will begin to break down and deteriorate our tooth enamel, and when this happens, there is a great environment that will actually encourage tooth decay. In order to help combat the acid and help save our tooth enamel, it is important that our mouth produces a sufficient amount of saliva so that the calcium and phosphate that can be found in the saliva can then work to help strengthen our tooth enamel.

 

What Kind of Gum Should I Chew?

 

While it may not be beneficial to chew all types of gum, you should focus on the sugar-free varieties with xylitol. The xylitol found in this kind of gum is what can help reduce the formation of dental plaque and tooth decay.

Chewing gum that contains sugar, on the other hand, will have the exact opposite effect and can increase the presence of cavities within your mouth.

 

Other Benefits of Chewing Gum

 

Chewing gum will help with saliva production as discussed earlier, but there are also other benefits we can experience from the simple task of chewing sugar-free gum.

Studies have shown that chewing gum can actually also help improve your concentration and memory and can help combat stress and anxiety. When you have a way to control stress and anxiety, you are less likely to chew on your nails or exhibit other similar nervous habits.

Chewing sugar-free gum for at least twenty minutes following a meal or a snack can also help reduce the presence of cavities and gingivitis. Stay clear of gum that contains higher amounts of sorbitol, however, because it can end up causing some stomach discomfort if used in larger amounts.

The gum will also help freshen your breath and help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that contributes to bad breath. A lot of the sugar-free gum, like cinnamon, even contains flavors that are derived from plant oils which help fight the bacteria instead of just masking the bad breath odor. It helps to eliminate it.

Finally, due to the saliva production we experience with chewing gum, it also helps relieve symptoms of dry mouth and any symptoms that may arise due to this condition.