Get advice on chewing gum benefits from Bristol dentists
There are many things you can do to help ensure continuing good oral hygiene. Of course brushing and flossing in the proper manner is very important and it is crucial that you let your dentist examine your mouth every six months so that harmful condition can be spotted and dealt with. Chewing gum has benefits too that can help your mouth to stay in good health.
Chewing anything stimulates the production of saliva, which is one of your mouth’s natural defences against the buildup of plaque. Plaque needs to be stopped because a sufficient build up will begin to attack the protective enamel on your teeth. Too much plaque will begin to interfere with the nerves in your teeth and cavities might start to form.
You can chew gum after meals, particularly if the food you have eaten contains lots of sugar and starch, both of which aid the formation of plaque. Of course it is better to brush your teeth but if you find yourself in a situation where this is not possible then chewing gum is the next best thing.
An added chewing gum benefit is that it freshens your breath. If you have just eaten food that might make your breath smell, chewing gum will give you a minty, fresh feeling that can increase your confidence.
Most chewing gums are sugar free so you are not doing further damage to your teeth when you are chewing it.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist? Bristol dentists are here to help
Your dentist can give you lots more advice about which chewing gum to choose and the benefits it can offer your mouth.
At Clifton Dental Studio we aim to battle decay and gum disease to make sure our patients have beautiful smiles and healthy teeth and gums. Our aim is to help you keep dental disease at bay and to ensure you enjoy good oral health. Fortunately, tackling decay is fairly straightforward and simply sticking to a few simple rules will stand you in good stead. Here are some tips for preventing cavities:
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the best weapon in the arsenal for preventing tooth decay, as it eliminates the possibility of plaque formation. Plaque forms when saliva, food debris and bacteria join forces, but if you take steps to remove bacteria and leftovers on a regular basis, there will never be a chance for plaque to materialise. We recommend thorough brushing (for at least 2 minutes each time) every morning and evening and we strongly recommend flossing on a daily basis. We advise patients to use fluoride toothpaste for added enamel protection.
Diet
One of the main risk factors for decay is the diet. If you have a diet that is rich in sugary or acidic foods this can be really problematic for the teeth. Acidic foods erode the enamel surface, while sugary foods cause bacteria to release acids, which have a similar impact. Once the enamel is worn down, the tooth is at risk of decay and there is also a high risk of gum disease. If you are planning to eat or drink something sugary, try to stick to mealtimes, drink through a straw and always wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth. When the enamel is under acid attack, it softens temporarily and brushing during this time period can damage it.
Dental sessions
We cannot stress the importance of regular dental checks enough and we advise all our patients to come for a check-up every 6 months. We also highly recommend sessions with our excellent dental hygienists.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
