Does Chewing Gum Really Clean Your Mouth?

You may have heard that chewing gum can help clean your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthy, but is this true? Well, the short answer is yes! It’s surprising, but chewing gum can be a very handy weapon to keep your breath fresh, teeth strong and mouth free of the acids and bacteria that lead to tooth decay.

But it’s not as simple as picking up any old packet of gum in the supermarket. Read on to find out our top tips on how chewing gum can help clean your mouth.

Sugar Vs Sugar Free

First of all, it’s really important to choose the right type of chewing gum - otherwise you’ll be doing more damage than good. Avoid sugary varieties at all costs, as these will just contribute to the amount of sugar in your mouth, and therefore put you at risk of acid attacks and tooth decay.

Instead, always keep some sugar-free chewing gum handy. The Australian Dental Association explains that sugar-free gum contains less than .5g of sugars per serving. Rather than using sugar, the ingredients list usually contains a more intense artificial sweetener like Sucralose or aspartame. Sometimes, natural sweeteners like stevia are used. These sweeteners are non-cariogenic, which means they are not metabolized well by the bacteria that causes plaque. In addition, they also contain less calories. 

How does it work?

Since sugar-free gum can help decrease plaque buildup, it can help keep your teeth clean. Put simply, the act of chewing will help create more saliva in your mouth, which will then help to wash away sugar, acid and any leftover food in your mouth which may turn into plaque. This will neutralise your mouth - especially if you chew gum shortly after finishing a snack or meal - and remove any food debris.

By reducing the sugar, acid and bacteria in your mouth, you’ll help to prevent the development of plaque, cavities and tooth decay. This will also help to keep your breath fresher - and the minty flavour is just an added bonus!

So next time you’re at the supermarket, stock up on some sugar free gum and feel guilt free you’re doing your teeth a favor!