Does chewing gum really clean your teeth?

You’ve probably done it before…you leave your favorite restaurant and pop in a stick of sugarfree gum. Not only does it freshen your breath, but it cleans your teeth, too…or does it?

Chewing xylitol sugarfree gum

It’s a habit for some people to chew gum after most meals, but is it really good for your teeth? Does it really clean your teeth in addition to freshening your breath?

Well, first off, if you’re going to chew gum, you should chew sugarfree gum, preferably with xylitol (try Spry natural xylitol chewing gum). Xylitol is a natural ingredient that prevents harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

• Xylitol gum has many benefits, as stated below.

• Xylitol is a great alternative to sugar with its very low glycemic index.

• Xylitol removes bacteria and plaque from the teeth, thereby reducing tooth decay.

• Xylitol can “reduce ear infections in children and combat candida yeast infections.”

• Some say that xylitol can improve gut health, protect against osteoporosis and increase collagen production.

(Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/xylitol-101)

So does chewing xylitol sugarfree gum really clean your teeth?

Bottom line…if you’re chewing xylitol sugarfree gum, you’re temporarily cleaning your teeth. However, your teeth will not be as thoroughly clean as when brushing your teeth or after a professional teeth cleaning appointment.

With that being said, if you know you aren’t going to brush your teeth for a few hours after a meal, chewing xylitol sugarfree gum is better than nothing — at least you’ll be removing some of that bacteria instead of letting it sit on your teeth and gums for hours.

Posted by Advanced Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
4205 North Point Parkway, Building D, Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: (678) 551-6864