Woodcrest Dentist Say It’s Okay to Have Your Gum and Chew It, Too

at Riverside Dental Group believe that there are many good things about gum, provided you choose the right type to chew.

No Toothbrush? Try a Stick of Gum

Brushing your teeth after every meal is ideal in terms of oral hygiene.  But it’s not always possible. If you are stuck somewhere without a toothbrush, following a sugary or high carbohydrate meal, a stick of sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol can offer a temporary fix. Tooth decay is exacerbated by sugar, but sugarless gum cannot only remove food particles from between your teeth (thereby eliminating potential acid production) but will also stimulate saliva production. Your saliva is like a shower for your teeth, washing away bacteria.

What is Xylitol?

If you have noticed xylitol as a key ingredient in many chewing gums on the market these days, there is good reason for that. Xylitol is a natural sweetener. While is tastes much like sugar, xylitol actually kills bacteria rather than feeding them. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay (Streptococcus mutans) and gum disease (Porphyromonas gingivalis) are attracted to xylitol. This crafty compound traps these damaging bacteria and virtually starves them. So be sure to check out the ingredient list on whichever pack of gum looks the best to you. If you see “sugar-free” and “xylitol” on the package, chew away. However, don’t chew for too long, especially if you have a propensity toward TMJ issues.

Dental Checkups from Woodcrest Dentists

If you are in need of a dental checkup, contact your Woodcrest dentists. We can provide you with x-rays, cleanings, exams, or meet any of your other comprehensive dentistry needs. Whether you are interested in preventive, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry services, we have you covered. We can also meet your orthodontic needs. Call our 92504 dentist office at (951) 689-5031 for teeth whitening and all of your dental care needs.