Chewing gum is loved by both adults and kids. However, kids prefer sugary gum that is pretty much like candy. Sugary gums like Bubblicious is very tasty, but can cause cavities or tooth decay over time. However, Sugar-free gum will not pose risks for tooth decay and will actually help maintain oral hygiene. How does gum help maintain oral hygiene? The science of it all lies behind our saliva. There are fermented carbohydrates that break down plaque acids. Saliva also picks up excess food particles that can potentially cause bacterial infections. For patients with missing teeth, sugar has been the cause of their tooth decay and the eventual loss of their teeth. Missing teeth patients however have the option of receiving dental implants to correct the damage that their missing teeth and decay have done on their teeth. Dental implants can provide patients with many oral benefits such as better oral health and restrengthening of their jawbone. Chewing the right gum can be a very helpful tool for dental implant patients because it will help them regulate plaque buildup.
Dental Implants and Plaque
For dental implants, plaque is their worst enemy because it will cause a bacterial infection that can lead to a inflammatory disease cause peri-implantitis. This disease is a very serious condition for dental implant patients because it will not only infect your oral anatomy, but it will deplete your jawbone and loosen your dental implants. If an excess amount of plaque is left to fester and seep into the gums, it can also travel to different parts of your body. Many diseases of the body such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes have been attributed to having poor oral health; this is why the most important step in taking care of your dental implants is to remove plaque from around your gums.
Chewing Gum For Your Gums
Sugar-free gum that is ADA (American Dental Associaition) approved, can have a positive effect on the upkeep of yuor dental implants. the benefits that sugar-free gum can offer are as follows:
Saliva stimulation- The extra saliva produces so bacteria and food particles can wash away with ease.
Plaque reduction- Plaque acids are reduced and will help prevent plaque buildup. Teeth are more at risk after eating and plaque is formed by acids from sugars from our food and drinks. It will slowly dissolve the enamel in real teeth that cause tooth decay.
Neutralizing acids- Chewing gum after meals can greatly reduce the negative effects that can occur.
Remineralizing enamel- Calcium and Phosphate are minerals often lost due to the presence of plaque. Saliva restores these minerals and washes away plaque acids.
Dry mouth- Many people who have dry mouth ailments chew gum to help them produce extra saliva and combat the discomfort of dry mouth.
ADA Approved Sugar-free gum
- Trident® Sugar-free Gum
- Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum
- ICE BREAKERS ICE CUBES Sugar Free Chewing Gum
- Stride Sugarless Gum
- Wrigley’s Extra Sugar-free Gum
- Wrigley’s Orbit for Kids Sugar-free Gum
- Wrigley’s Orbit Sugar-free Gum
Contact Dr. Spector and Dr. Michael Migdal at Gentle Dentist
We offer our patients in Haworth, NJ dental implants for their missing teeth ailments. Maintaining oral hygiene is very important when it comes to ensuring the longevity of dental implants. Chewing gum can be a big help in reducing the amount of plaque that forms on your gums and dental implants in between brushing. However, chewing gum should not be substituted for flossing or brushing your teeth because even through saliva is beneficial in removing food debris, it will not thoroughly remove all threats. If you have any further questions regarding dental implants or would like to discuss your candidacy for dental implants, then please contact us to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.