Hello Staten Island gum chewers, today we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help prevent cavities? That’s the question we’re asking in today’s Staten Island general dentistry blog.
It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can help remove bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.
However, gums with some alternative sweeteners have an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that reduce plaque buildup. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay.
So if you’re headed out to any restaurants in the Staten Island area, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are a better option for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, choose a sugarless gum with xylitol to chew.
I’m Dr. Frederick Hecht, a cosmetic dentist in Staten Island. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible.
If you have any questions about how to improve your oral health, or if you would like to learn more about any of our cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and complete smile makeovers, give us a call today at 718-761-5757.
We specialize in sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and porcelain veneers and crowns. Call our comfortable staff today for an appointment!
Dr. Frederick Hecht
Staten Island Dental Care
1520 Richmond Ave
Staten Island, New York
718-761-5757
https://www.afraidofthedentist.com/pages/about-us
