I am wondering if sugar free gum is ok to chew?

Thanks, Pat

Dear Pat

Chewing gum does stimulate our salivary glands, therefore helps cleanse our teeth. However chewing gum on a constant basis it not good on our jaw joints and can lead to TMJ issues over time. Chewing any kind of sugarless gum is a much better choice than gum containing sugar which can lead to tooth decay. We would recommend finding gum that contains xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar however a non-fermentable sugar therefore it cannot be transformed to acid by the bacteria in your mouth which helps to prevent cavities. Besides preventing cavities, small amounts of xylitol during the day decreases plaque buildup and promotes your salivary glands therefore preventing a dry mouth. This helps to improve mineral absorption for repairing damaged tooth  enamel while increasing tooth strength. Most xylitol products like toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, and mints can be found at your local health food store.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.