3 Things You Should Know About Chewing Gum—Dental Care in Elgin

Developing positive oral habits is essential in promoting good dental hygiene. Elgin residents need to remember that enjoying a healthy, happy lifestyle involves caring for the health of their teeth and gums.

Perhaps you have heard that chewing gum can help protect your oral health. What should you remember about your gum chewing habits?

1. Choice of gum— Not all chewing gums promote good oral health. Make sure that you chew gum that is sugarless, as opposed to the candy-like gum that bombards your teeth enamel with sugar.

2. Check the label—Choose sugarless gum that possesses the ADA stamp of approval. This means that the manufacturer has provided the results of both laboratory studies and clinical studies in humans, and the gum has been deemed acceptable.

3. When to chew— Clinical studies show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. The chewing stimulates saliva production, which cleans the mouth of food debris and neutralizes acid in the mouth. This helps protect against plaque, tooth decay and teeth staining.

Of course chewing sugarless gum can prove to be helpful, but in no way is it a substitute for brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, or cleaning between the teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner. Working hand in hand with these vital habits are regular visits to your dentist every 6 months or earlier if necessary.

Dr. Lodding and his team at Smile for Life Dental will make a thorough examination to provide early detection of any known or unknown problems with your teeth and gums. This allows for effective treatment to prevent any serious oral health issues. Protect your teeth and gums and practice good dental care. In Elgin, residents have the professional expertise of Dr. Lodding to help make a healthy smile a priority, and a reality.