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Many habits contribute to a good oral health maintenance routine. Some of these habits (the essential ones) include daily brushing and flossing; however, other beneficial practices include using mouthwash, following a healthy diet, and, yes, even chewing gum.

Chewing gum has been known to help people with stress reduction, weight loss, unwanted smoking habits, and mental focus. While these perks are undoubtedly helpful to your overall well-being, chewing gum offers many additional benefits to your oral health. 

What Are Some of the Benefits of Chewing Gum?

Reduces Bad Breath 

A notable benefit of chewing gum is its ability to reduce bad breath, which can put you at ease in professional and social situations. Gum reduces the bacteria in the mouth that contribute to bad breath while cleaning your teeth and providing you with minty freshness. 

Prevents Tooth Decay 

Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps prevent tooth decay. An increase in saliva production protects the teeth from erosion that could otherwise result in cavities or worse. This additional saliva acts as a buffer against acidic foods or drinks and helps rinse some of the acids that might remain in your mouth after eating. 

Is All Gum Good for You? 

While many types of chewing gum provide benefits, it is necessary to understand that they are not all the same.

To reap the benefits of chewing gum, you will need to choose one of the following.

Sugar-Free Gum 

Not all chewing gum is necessarily good for your teeth. Sugar-free gum is recommended to neutralize acids without introducing additional cavity-causing sugar. Be sure to only chew sugar-free gum, because gum that contains sugar can cause plaque buildup and cavities.

Xylitol Gum

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in specific brands of gum. Xylitol has been shown to help prevent cavities by reducing the bacteria levels in your mouth. 

Want to Know More About Maintaining Your Dental Health? 

Chewing gum is not a substitute for oral care like brushing and flossing or dental check-ups and cleanings; however, it is a good habit to incorporate into your daily routine.

If you want to know more about dental health, schedule your consultation with Dr. Gum in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, today by calling 610-746-0488 or filling out an online contact form.