Premier Dental Care |337 Hancock StGallatinTN37066 | (615) 452-1292
Premier Dental Care
337 Hancock St
GallatinTN 37066
 (615) 452-1292
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Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for Your Teeth?

Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for Your Teeth?

Many types of chewing gum can be categorized as a candy, but there are some types of chewing gum that can be categorized as a useful tool for cleaning teeth. When choosing a chewing gum, it's important to pick the right kind! Fortunately, the American Dental Association (ADA) has made it easy to tell whether or not a chewing gum is beneficial for oral hygiene.

When Chewing Gum is Not Just Candy

ADA approved gums bear the seal of the ADA on their wrappers. This seal indicates that a gum meets the standards of safety and effectiveness set by the ADA. ADA approved gum is sugarless, which means that it should not cause tooth decay.

How Chewing Gum Benefits Oral Health

There are a variety of ways in which ADA approved sugar-free gum can benefit the teeth and gums. The act of chewing gum increases saliva production. Saliva is one of the body’s natural defenses against plaque and tartar. Creation of saliva helps wash away food particles and clean out the teeth, much like what happens when the teeth are brushed.

ADA approved gums are shown to be safe for the tissues in the mouth and may help with reduction of plaque acids or promotion of remineralization of the tooth enamel. Before a gum can earn the ADA seal of approval, laboratory testing is conducted to show the benefits to the human body.

Of course, you can chew ADA approved gum at any time, but the best times to chew your ADA approved gum is after a meal, especially when you’re in a place where you can’t brush your teeth. Chewing good gum after eating helps clean the teeth and fight plaque and cavities.

When to Chew ADA Approved Gum

Of course, you can chew ADA approved gum at any time, but the best times to chew your ADA approved gum is after a meal, especially when you’re in a place where you can’t brush your teeth. Chewing good gum after eating helps clean the teeth and fight plaque and cavities.

Chewing gum can also help clean stains from teeth after certain foods or drinks are consumed. For example, after drinking a glass of red wine, the teeth may appear slightly red or purple in color. Chewing gum can help remove these stains quickly and return the teeth to their original appearance.

If You Chew ADA Approved Gum, Do You Still Have to Brush Your Teeth?

ADA approved gum does not take the place of tooth brushing. There is no gum that can truly clean the teeth in the same way as brushing and flossing.

Contact Premier Dental Care Today

At Premier Dental Care, we help take care of your smile! We'll answer your questions about chewing gum, tooth brushing, oral care and dental hygiene. Our talented dentists and dental hygienists remove plaque, polish tooth enamel, promote healthy gums and good overall dental health. We recommend semi-annual dental appointments with the dentist to help ensure that their teeth are healthy. To make an appointment, contact us today at 615-452-1292.