The primary benefit of chewing sugar free gum is the prevention of cavities. This benefit is the result of the lack of sugar as well as extra saliva production. Chewing sugar free gum may also help to restore tooth enamel and rinse bacteria from the mouth. Additionally, it may help improve the smell of a gum chewer's breath.
Often, people chew sugar free gum for one main benefit: the prevention of cavities. When a person chews gum that contains sugar, he is essentially bathing his teeth in sugar. If he chews regular gum several times each day, he is dramatically increasing his risk of developing cavities. To avoid this, a person can choose to chew sugar free gum. In such a case, an individual can have the enjoyment of chewing and the flavor he would get from regular chewing gum without the risk of tooth decay to go along with it.
Besides the benefit of sugar free gum that is related to the lack of sugar, there are also other ways in which it is healthy for the mouth. For instance, it stimulates saliva production, which helps to wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth. It also helps to neutralize the acidity in a person's mouth, which may help with the prevention of cavities. In fact, studies show that chewing sugar free gum actually helps to restore tooth enamel, leading to stronger, healthier teeth.
The prevention of tooth decay because of chewing gum is actually measurable. Some studies have revealed that a person can reduce his chances of tooth decay by 40 percent by chewing sugar free gum right after eating or drinking. Continuing the chewing for at least 20 minutes has shown to be particularly helpful.
Some people assume that gum chewing is only important after consuming a sugary meal or snack, but that is a misconception. Just about any food has the potential to cause cavities. For this reason, chewing gum or brushing one's teeth between meals can help with cavity prevention regardless of whether a person has consumed an apple, a steak, or a piece of pie.
An individual may also find it beneficial to chew sugar free gum when he is trying to treat or avoid bad breath. Chewing gum helps to keep the mouth moist, which prevents foul-smelling breath. Likewise, unpleasant odors are removed when the extra saliva washes away bacteria and debris that can cause bad breath.
