Do you enjoy chewing gum? Some people always have a stick of spearmint or fruity gum in their mouths, while others can’t stand it. You might look at it as an indulgence similar to candy, and sometimes it is, but there are other times when chewing gum is actually good for your teeth. Read on to find out more about why certain types of gum can improve your dental health.

Don’t Choose Sugary Gum

Some gum is like candy in that it contains sugar. When you chew sugar-filled gum, you’re bathing your teeth in the sweet, sticky stuff, which is, of course, not good for them. This type of gum should be treated like candy and enjoyed rarely.

Sugar-free gum, on the other hand, is safe for your teeth. Look for gum containing xylitol for the most benefit. Other artificial sweeteners that are in gum include aspartame and saccharine. One thing to keep in mind: Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so if you have a furry friend, be sure to keep it out of his or her reach.

Gum Stimulates Saliva Production

One reason that sugar-free gum is good for teeth is that it encourages your salivary glands to produce saliva. Why is this important? Saliva neutralizes acids from the foods that you eat. It also washes away bacteria and plaque that can lead to gum inflammation and dental decay. It also keeps your breath fresh; halitosis can be caused by having a dry mouth, so gum will help combat that.

Take Caution in Some Cases

If you wear dental braces, have a temporary crown, or have an old filling that needs to be replaced, it’s best to stay away from chewing gum. It can get caught in your braces or temporary/worn dental work and could cause more of a headache than anything else.

For most people, sugarless gum is safe and can help keep the teeth cleaner. Ask your dentist if you have any dental work or appliances that might make it contraindicated in your case. Otherwise, just check the ingredients to be sure there’s no sugar and chew away!