What’s better than a minty stick of gum after a meal? After all, it freshens your breath and helps prevent cavities. Or does it?

What Studies Say

Gum chewers, rejoice: We have good news about post-meal gum (as long as you opt for the sugar-free kind).

Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for twenty minutes after eating increases saliva production. Saliva in turn helps lower the risk for cavities and dental erosion; the act of chewing presses saliva into hard-to-reach areas, washing away plaque and bacteria.

How about that? Chewing gum can actually be a part of healthy oral hygiene.

Keep in mind the key here is the gum must be sugar-free. Otherwise, you risk increasing your chance for cavities and plaque buildup. Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol has an added bonus. Certain bacteria lose their ability to adhere to your teeth in the presence of xylitol. Over time, fewer cavity-causing bacteria survive on your tooth’s surfaces. Talk about a great reason to chew gum!

Though gum may help prevent cavities, it’s no replacement for twice-daily brushing and flossing (or after every meal if you can manage it). It’s also not recommended for those with TMD or TMJ symptoms, as sustained chewing can irritate your condition. Be sure to consult your dentist if you’re uncertain whether chewing gum is right for you.

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