Gum Chewing: Helpful or Harmful?

It’s no secret that kids love to chew gum, which is why our staff at Kidz Connextion, wants you to know it’s the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it’s helpful or harmful to your teeth. The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

For most people, chewing sugar-free gum (especially gum sweetened with xylitol) can be a good preventive measure in situations when tooth brushing and flossing aren’t practical. It’s important to remember that sugar-free or not, chewing gum should never replace good dental hygiene practices. Next time you and your child are walking through the sweets aisle and he or she is begging for some chewing gum, look for the ADA Seal so you can be sure it’s sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

If you have questions about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.