Dentist Downtown Portland

If you like to chew gum, you’ve probably looked at many different brands and flavors. You may have your favorite, but do your teeth and gums really like what you’re chewing? There are some gums out there that do actually improve your teeth, but you have to know what to look for.

GUM ISN’T CANDY

Many people think of gum as a type of candy or other unhealthy, non-nutritious substance, but it’s actually not. The American Dental Association actually recognizes gum as a tool that can help with oral health. Any chewing gum you use will help promote the creation of saliva. This can be very helpful for those who suffer from dry mouth, but it can help everyone clean their mouths after they eat.

THE ADA SEAL OF ACCEPTANCE

When you’re buying gum, you want to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal means that the gum has been proven to be safe for your oral health and effective in assisting your mouth in one of several ways. Some gums actually help reduce plaque, while others are designed to help strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Some may even contain ingredients that help prevent or reduce the effects of gingivitis and cavities.

THESE GUMS ARE SUGAR-FREE

The ADA Seal of Acceptance so far only appears on gums that are sugar-free. These gums are sweetened by using various artificial sweeteners such as mannitol, aspartame, or sorbitol. This means they won’t cause cavities or other issues that foods high in sugar cause. You can chew these gums without any fear that you’re damaging your mouth. In fact, since they actually help your oral health, you can feel good about chewing these gums!

So they next time you put back gum because you’re afraid of what it will do to your teeth, pick it back up and take a look at the package. If you see the ADA Seal there, go ahead and get it. You’ll actually be helping your oral health! You can also give us a call to talk about chewing gum and how it can help you deal with cavities and other issues.