What Kind of Gum Is Good for My Teeth?

girl blowing a gum bubble

It’s so easy to reach for a stick of minty flavored gum in case bad breath strikes. It probably never even crosses our minds that gum that’s made to freshen up your breath could possibly be bad for you, but some types of gum are actually much better than others! Read on to find out what you should be looking for the next time you buy gum.


Sugar in Gum

Sugar is the ingredient that can make a seemingly good gum bad. Sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth because the bacteria that live on your teeth release harmful acids when they break sugar down. Moreover, the acid they release is harmful to your tooth enamel and can wear it down, leading to staining, cavities, and decay. Since gum sticks to your teeth during the entire time you chew it, it can be especially harmful to your mouth if it contains sugar.


A Cavity-Resistant Sugar Substitute

Have you ever tried sugar-free gum? It tastes like the real thing, and it’s actually good for your teeth! If you ever see “xylitol” on the ingredients list of a sugar-free gum, go for it. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, not only gives gum a sugary sweet flavor, but it is also actually healthy for your teeth! Xylitol is known to ward off cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth and won’t promote the development of plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth. If your gum has an ADA (American Dental Association) label on the packaging, then you should feel totally guilt-free about chewing it!


Can Sugar-Free Gum Be Bad for My Teeth?

Sugar-free gum with xylitol can freshen your breath without causing cavities, so you shouldn’t be worried when chewing it. However, if you have jaw issues like TMJ/TMD, you shouldn’t chew too much gum because it will aggravate your condition. It’s best to speak with your dentist to be sure that chewing gum is safe for you.

Chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to enhance your breath on the fly, but it’s no substitute for regular brushing and flossing! Don’t forget to see your dentist twice a year to prevent any oral health issues in the future. No matter what type of service you need, we can help you at Ashley Laird, DDS. Contact us to set up an appointment today.

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