Sugarless Gum May Help Fight Cavities
Several research studies suggest that chewing sugarless gum may help fight cavities. The results are based on the fact that it is the bacteria in the mouth “eat” the sweets and starches that we ingest and turn them into acid producing acids, which, in turn, cause cavities. As an aside, the studies support the information that says that sugars in the mouth can damage the teeth in matter of minutes. Starches are a bit more slow-acting, and take several hours to do damage.
The researchers found that sugarless gum, chewed immediately after a meal that includes sugars, increases the amount of saliva produced in the mouth, which is the body’s defense against bacteria which cause cavities.
Unfortunately, chewing sugarless gum also has its downside. The sugar substitutes in sugarless gum, especially when chewed regularly, can cause stomach upset. Chewing gum ca put undue stress on dental restoration and appliances. It will probably not be a surprise to know that the best defense against cavity-causing bacteria is to eliminate sugars as much as possible and to brush after meals. On the go and as a stop-gap measure, sugarless gum is a good, temporary solution.