Remember when chewing gum was bad for you? Not anymore! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as the American Dental Association have endorsed the use of chewing gums containing xylitol and sorbitol.  New research shows that the use of such chewing gum can have a positive effect on the reduction of dental plaque.

Researcher Rosalien Keukenmeester from the Department of Periodontology at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, led a team that reviewed six non-brushing and four brushing studies on the effects of sugar-free chewing gum regarding  plaque formation and gum inflammation.  The non-brushing studies showed no significant results on plaque or gingival inflammation but the brushing studies displayed a considerable effect in supporting the use of the sugar-free chewing gum with regard to plaque scores. So evidence shows that chewing gum can’t replace brushing (and flossing) but adding sugar-free gum can help.

How much gum to chew, how long to chew for, and how many times a day you should be chewing are all good questions.  The science agrees that chewing one piece of gum for ten minutes, fives times a day will have a positive effect on the reduction of plaque scores when added to a regular brushing routine. Remember, this doesn’t let you off the hook for brushing or flossing!

In a world of “sugar-free,”  “fat-free,” and “no trans-fat,” how do you know which sugar-free is the right one?  Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on packaging and check the ingredient list for xylitol or sorbitol – they will be listed on the label.  The brands currently given a thumbs up from the ADA are: Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum, Stride Sugarless Gum, Trident® Sugarfree Gum, Wrigley’s Extra Sugarfree Gum, and Wrigley’s Orbit Sugarfree Gum.

One word of caution about chewing gum. If you experience jaw clicking, facial or neck pain or headaches you may have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which is your jaw joint. Chewing gum can irritate the jaw and increase muscle spasms and pain. Talk to your neuromuscular dentist before chewing gum regularly.

Please contact Columbus cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy at StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next dental hygiene appointment and then go pick up a pack of sugarless gum.