Sugarless gum comes in a variety of flavors, from cooling mint to warming cinnamon. But sugar-free gums don't just taste good—they're helpful for your oral health, as well. Be sure to always choose options that are approved by your dentist or have received the American Dental Association's® seal of approval. Below are four benefits of sugarless gum often cited by dentists.

How Sugarless Gum Benefits Oral Health

1. Remove Plaque

The act of chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands, and they, in turn, produce increased amounts of saliva. Saliva offers a natural rinse for the teeth, consistently washing away bits of food and accumulations of plaque. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate—minerals that are also components of tooth enamel. When plaque buildups begin to erode enamel, saliva helps re-mineralize the enamel and keep it strong and healthy.

2. Prevent Cavities

Saliva also contains fluoride. When saliva coats the teeth, it covers them with a layer of fluoride that the teeth absorb. This provides a strong protective barrier against cavities. Some sugarless chewing gums also contain fluoride, so when you choose these varieties, you're giving the mouth an even stronger defense against harmful decay.

3. Whiten Teeth

There are sugarless whitening gums that help brighten your smile. These gums mainly work by removing or minimizing certain types of dark stains, usually with ingredients like baking soda or calcium peroxide. Though they won't get teeth as bright as a professional whitening by a dentist, they will make your smile noticeably lighter.

4. Fight Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Chewing sugarless gum in minty flavors will cleanse the palette and make the breath more pleasant. Many sugar-free gums contain a natural sweetener called xylitol, which neutralizes the pH balance in the mouth and eliminates bad breath odors.

While sugarless gum can clearly benefit your oral health, it should never be a substitute for routine brushing, flossing, and dentist visits. Gladstein Dental Center has been providing oral care to the Hartford County, CT, community for nearly three decades. From preventative exams and fillings to implants and veneers, they are your trusted source for quality dental services. Call (860) 223-1162 or visit them online to learn more about their services.