Do you love to grab a stick of gum after lunch to freshen your breath before you chat with coworkers? If so, you might not even realize that your gum habit could actually be helping you prevent dental cavities. That is, if you’re choosing a sugar-free gum. Sugar-free chewing gum can help to limit tartar buildup between dental checkups and cleanings, which can be great for both your teeth and your gums’ health.

The Act of Chewing Can Help Limit Tartar Buildup

Chewing, itself, can be beneficial to the smile, because it helps to produce saliva, the body’s natural defense against tartar buildup. That said, chewing gum, in particular, can be especially beneficial. That’s because if you opt for a sugar-free gum, you are helping to create saliva without exposing the smile to sugar, which creates acidity in the mouth.

Some Sugar Substitutes Are Particularly Beneficial

Perhaps best of all, many sugar-free gums rely on a sugar alternative called xylitol to create sweetness. Yet this ingredient also offers smile benefits. Xylitol has been found to further help limit tartar’s ability to stick to teeth, which can help to prevent acidic erosion.

Therefore, chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum after a meal, especially if you are unable to brush your teeth at that time, could be a great addition to your smile care routine.

Just make sure you’re not chewing so excessively that you create jaw discomfort. Also, don’t consider chewing gum an alternative to daily tooth brushing, or regular preventive dental visits. These are still imperative ways to keep your smile healthy!

Need to Schedule Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry can help you to avoid cavities, tooth discomfort and even severe dental issues.  You can schedule a preventive checkup and cleaning with Dr. Steven Huffstutler in Ft. Worth, TX, today, by calling 817-918-3038.