Chewing gum is a popular activity nowadays, but not all chewing gums are created equal. While most chewing gums are packed with sugar, not all chewing gums are bad for your teeth!
In reality, chewing gum can improve your oral health. At AV Dental Wellness Group in Lancaster, California, we offer patients specialized advice on maintaining a healthy diet and adopting healthy habits that can improve their dental health.
What Is Chewing Gum?
Chewing gum is a soft, rubbery substance intended to be chewed, not swallowed. Although recipes differ between manufacturers, all chewing gums contain the following essential ingredients:
- Gum base – the rubbery component that gives gum its chewiness
- Resin – typically used to strengthen and hold gum the together
- Fillers – such as calcium carbonate or talc
- Preservatives – used to extend the shelf life of the product; most commonly butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Softeners – used to keep the gum wet and prevent it from hardening, such as paraffin or vegetable oils
- Sweeteners – most common include cane sugar, beet sugar, and corn syrup, as well as xylitol or artificial sweeteners for sugar-free gums
- Flavorings – natural or synthetic flavorings that give the chewing gum its flavor
Health Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has the following health benefits:
- It helps burn calories. Chewing gum can help you burn up to 11 calories each hour.
- Enhancing your memory. Chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which may aid with memory improvement.
- Chewing gum can help you stay awake if you’re weary.
- Getting rid of nausea. If you’re feeling under the weather, chewing gum may help you feel better. This is especially true during pregnancy for motion sickness and morning sickness.
What Kind of Gum Should I Chew?
When buying gum at the grocery store, search for sugarless gum with the ADA (American Dental Association) seal on the package. The ADA seal indicates that the product is both safe and beneficial for oral health.
Instead of reaching for a sugary pack of gum that may damage your teeth, read the packaging and choose a sugar-free variety with components that are proven to prevent plaque and tooth decay.
For more dental and diet advice, as well as the best dental treatments and procedures in Lancaster, California, contact AV Dental Wellness Group today.
