Hello Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City general dentistry blog.
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-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.
So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Oklahoma City area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are a better option for your dental health, but when you can’t brush, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol to chew.
I’m Dr. Mark Phan, a cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. My practice, OKC Smiles, is located at 13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300.
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 405-634-7303.
We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. Call our friendly and outgoing staff today for an appointment!
Dr. Mark Phan
Dr. Mark Phan
OKC Smiles
13900 S Western Ave, Suite 300
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
405-634-7303
https://www.okcsmiles.com/about-us/
