Chewing Gum – A Reason to Smile
Chewing gum in various forms has been around since ancient times. The Greeks, the ancient Mayans, and even Native Americans from New England chewed sap from various trees. Today the base for most gum products is a blend of synthetic materials and is as popular as ever. We tend to think about chewing gum as a kind of candy, but gum that gets the ADA Seal can actually protect the teeth. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, this increased saliva flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids produced when food is broken down by the bacteria on your teeth. Over time these acids can break down the tooth enamel creating conditions for tooth decay. Chewing gum is no substitute for brushing and flossing but it works in conjunction with brushing for maximum effectiveness. When choosing chewing gum, look for gum bearing the ADA Seal. So far the only gum with the Seal are sugarless. The Seal is your assurance that the gum has met the ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.