More than 173 million Americans chew gum. While sugary chewing gums encourage tooth decay, sugarless varieties approved by dentists have a number of benefits for oral health. Below are details of a few of these advantages.

How Sugarless Gum Improves Oral Health

1. Increased Saliva Production

Saliva supplies the inside of the mouth with consistent moisture and a natural rinse for the teeth. Whenever you chew, mouth and jaw muscles apply gentle pressure to the salivary glands and promote saliva production. Therefore, the act of chewing gum stimulates the flow of saliva, offering higher levels of rinsing action to remove bits of plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums.

2. Whiter Teeth

There are many varieties of whitening chewing gums that have the stamp of approval by dentists. Tooth-whitening gums contain ingredients that gently remove discoloration from the surface of the teeth. Besides enhancing saliva production, whitening gums also coat the teeth and help prevent food from sticking.

3. Better Breath

Bad breath is an issue nearly everyone has dealt with at some point. There are any number of causes of halitosis, ranging from potent foods like garlic or onions to cavities and periodontal diseases that require the attention of a dentist. Chewing gum — widely available in pleasant, fresh flavors like mint and cinnamon — can go a long way in masking bad breath.

When choosing a sugarless gum, look for one that has been approved by the American Dental Association. For any oral health issues, or for routine dental care, trust the dentists at Tkatch Dentistry. They provide Guilford County, NC, and the surrounding areas with a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services, including exams, crowns, root canals, porcelain veneers, and at-home teeth whitening. Call (336) 889-9916 or visit them online today to schedule an appointment.