Hello gum chewers! In this post from Future of Dentistry we’re going to talk about that sticky wad in your mouth. You know that it can freshen your breath, but can it really help guard your smile from tooth decay?

It really depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular sucrose-based gum can be helpful in removing bits of food from the surface of teeth, but that benefit is negated by the stream of sugar washing over your teeth as you chew.

However, gum with some alternative sweeteners has an added benefit for your pearly whites. Xylitol is a sweetener which not only has fewer calories than traditional sugars, but it also has antimicrobial properties that lessen plaque build-up. This means that xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes decay.

So if you’re headed out to a restaurant, bring a pack of sugar-free gum with you and pop it in your mouth when your meal is done. Of course, brushing and flossing are the ideal practices for your oral health, but when you can’t brush, select a sugarless gum with xylitol.

At Future of Dentistry we offer complete general and family dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to our office for dental implants, and much more. Call to schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
978-419-9414

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826
978-791-3078

Future of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845
978-620-5912

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-970-2089

Little things you can do every day can raise your Dental IQ and benefit your smile. One simple lesson from Future of Dentistry involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. The critical thing is the balance of bacteria. This is where brushing and flossing come into play. Brush and floss properly each day and you will have a better chance of keeping the appropriate balance.

Other precautions you can take:

• Wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!
• Keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. (Also, close the lid of the toilet before you flush!)
• Replace that toothbrush. When it comes to your toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. Get a new one every three to four months.

If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can minimize the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

At Future of Dentistry we want the best possible dental health for all our patients. We offer complete general and family  dentistry. Patients from throughout Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley also come to our office for cosmetic dentistry and much more. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Future of Dentistry:

Locations (Tap Below To Open Your Office In Google Maps):

Future of Dentistry – Billerica
668 Boston Rd
Billerica, MA 01821
978-419-9414

Future of Dentistry – Dracut
149 Pleasant St
Dracut, MA 01826
978-791-3078

Future of Dentistry – North Andover/Willows Dental Group
795 Turnpike St
North Andover, MA 01845
978-620-5912

Future of Dentistry – Wakefield
968 Main St
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-245-2299

Future of Dentistry – Chelmsford
3 Courthouse Ln
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-970-2089