Are there any real benefits to chewing gum? Flashy colours and fancy packaging may look attractive and appealing, but is that all there is? It’s tempting to buy into the health claims that the gum companies put forth, especially since gum is so readily available and a checkout staple. So let’s look into it further to see how much good gum really does us.
Chewing certain types of gum actually can deliver dental benefits. Milk proteins which carry and release calcium and phosphate to the teeth provide the minerals needed to repair teeth and can be found in brands that are stocked in your dentist’s cabinet. Like training a muscle, chewing gum strength trains the cells of your saliva glands to work harder and more efficiently. Although this much is true, it does not apply to ALL chewing gums on the market.
Avoid citrus or candy flavoured chewing gums at all costs. Lemon and lime may give you a refreshing kick, but the acids will do nothing but contribute to cavity formation. Gum that contains the necessary ingredients which will protect your teeth are more expensive than the run of the mill types at the supermarket, but the peace of mind you get is definitely worth the price. With the right gum, you can carry a piece of good dental protection with you at all times. Handy for any kind of lifestyle you may lead, you can cover your dental needs round the clock. Not everyone has that spare 1 hour of lunch to eat AND floss, after all.
If you don’t have jaw or TMJ issues, then we recommend Recaldent, a popular Japanese gum which has earnt a great reputation for its recalcifying powers. You can find it on Ebay or in the supermarket itself if you find yourself in Japan. Breath mints may provide good refreshment to your breath and mouth, but by way of dental prowess has little to offer. Stick to milk based protein gums and ones that have clear no sugar labels and you’ll be as right as rain.
So now you have the 411 on chewing gum, learn more about tooth decay and other ways to prevent it
