Does your busy life lead you to snacking constantly throughout the day rather than sitting down for a full meal? While this might work for your lifestyle, it probably isn’t doing much for your oral health.
Constant snacking or grazing means that your teeth will be under a sustained attack from the acids that form on your teeth after you eat.
This can lead to enamel damage, and every time that you eat again, your pH will drop back into a danger zone.
Chewing Gum Can Help
If you do find that despite your best efforts you are snacking or eating on the go a lot, it is important to take some precautions when it comes to your oral health.
One of the most convenient steps is to chew gum for at least 20 minutes after you eat or drink. Sugar-free gum is a good dental health tool, as it will neutralize plaque acids while helping to wash away food debris and re-mineralize the enamel.
When you constantly snack and graze throughout the day, you are also at risk of suffering from bad breath. When sugar-free gum is sweetened with Xylitol, it can help to keep your breath fresh, especially if you just ate something especially stinky.
The Science Behind Chewing Gum
There is a lot of research out there about the benefits of sugar-free gum on oral health. Sugar-free gum works by increasing saliva production in the mouth. Saliva is important in keeping the mouth clean by rinsing away bacteria and debris and by neutralizing acids.
Chewing sugar-free gum is non-disruptive and a simple oral care habit when you just aren’t able to brush or floss your teeth while you are on the go.
Do you have questions about how your lifestyle might be affecting your oral health? Contact our office today.
