Chewing gum is one of the most popular snacks in the country, yet very few people know that gum has a huge positive impact on your overall oral health.
While you may think that’s just not possible, it’s the truth. To help you understand the concept, our team here at Kaitilin Riley DDS in Paso Robles, California, put this post together to explain exactly how gum is beneficial to your oral health.
Stimulates saliva production
Believe it or not, but chewing gum on a regular basis actually increases the amount of saliva you produce. This may seem insignificant, and it is until you realize the role saliva plays in your oral health.
Saliva is important in breaking down plaque (the buildup of debris and food particles along your gum line and on the surface of your teeth) and killing bacteria in your mouth that are harmful to oral health. Chewing enough gum on a regular basis helps your mouth be even more active in the fight against those bacteria.
Freshens breath
The increased saliva production, along with the flavor of the gum, will help keep your breath fresh for longer periods of time throughout the day.
Just because gum helps keep your teeth clean throughout the day, however, doesn’t mean you can chew it as a replacement for brushing or flossing. Those are still two essential oral health habits you can’t afford to break.
For more information on this topics, or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 805-238-3880.
