We usually refer to chewing gum, candy and jelly beans as sweets in general. However, it is worth making a difference between them, as they do not have the same consequences on our health. Chewing gums that do not contain sugar are beneficial for our teeth because they work as a cleaner and help to keep us free of cavities. Nowadays, this type of chewing gum has become a complement to existing prevention strategies to stop the development of oral bacteria.
Most sugar-free chewing gums currently on the market have a sugar substitute known as xylitol. This is a natural sweetener that comes from birch wood and is therefore not fermentable by cariogenic bacteria. Xylitol not only replaces sugar, but also inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth, as they lose the ability to adhere to the tooth.
On the other hand, chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and this has two important advantages. First, saliva neutralizes the acids caused by bacteria and, consequently, protects tooth enamel. In addition, saliva contains calcium and iron phosphate, both of which are beneficial for teeth. Secondly, the action of chewing helps to remove food debris stuck between the teeth. In other words, the mechanical action of chewing itself helps to maintain oral hygiene.
In addition to xylitol, many manufacturers include in sugarless chewing gum a substance that helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant. This is known as Recaldent and consists of casein phosphopeptides calcium phosphate amorphous phosphopeptides (CPP-ACP).
Does sugarless chewing gum replace toothbrushing?
Patients are usually encouraged to substitute sugarless gum for chewing gum. However, it is important to warn that chewing this type of gum does not replace the daily oral hygiene routine and much less the nightly toothbrushing. That is to say, the recommendation of dental specialists is still to brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste and clean the plaque accumulated between the teeth daily with dental floss.
Another important aspect is to pay attention to food and its consistency, since chewing a fruit is not the same as drinking it in the form of a milkshake.
Finally, it is also important to take into account the need for a professional cleaning once a year. The formation of plaque and tartar is inevitable, even if we brush our teeth every day. This is because there are areas where it is not easy to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss and, once tartar has formed, it is not possible to remove it during brushing.
In conclusion, proper dental hygiene, good eating habits and an annual check-up at the dentist are essential to maintain a healthy and caries-free mouth.