Brunette boy smiles while chewing sugar-free gum and blowing a bubble in San Antonio, TX

Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities?

May 23, 2021 12:55 am

While candy is bad for dental health, chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good. Read on to learn how chewing sugarless gum can benefit your child’s dental health!

The Benefits of Chewing Gum

If your child is at least 4 years old without jaw issues and itching for a sugary treat, opt for something you can feel good about: sugar-free chewing gum! Sugar-free gum is a satisfying treat when your child is craving something sweet but it doesn’t increase their risk of cavities.

When you child chomps down on a stick of sugar-free gum, they are actually working to remove some of the cavity-causing plaque and food particles that get stuck on and between their teeth.

Chewing gum also reduces bad breath after eating and prompts your child’s mouth to produce saliva. Saliva is the mouth’s natural rinse. It keeps your mouth moist and comfortable, deposits important minerals onto teeth to strengthen them, and helps wash away harmful bacteria.

Keep in mind that chewing sugary gum will increase your child’s risk of developing cavities!

Encourage Daily Brushing & Flossing!

Make sure your child understands that chewing sugar-free gum is by no means a substitute for daily oral hygiene and routine dental visits. Even if they’ve had chewing gum earlier, they should be flossing daily and brushing at least twice per day for two minutes each time.

Quality Oral Healthcare in San Antonio, TX

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in San Antonio? Here at Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re happily welcoming new patients to our practice. We offer comprehensive pediatric dental services, including:

  • Pediatric Dental Exams & Cleanings
  • Fluoride Treatments
  • Dental Sealants
  • Space Maintainers
  • Custom Nightguards
  • Athletic Mouthguards
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Dental Crowns
  • Dental Extractions
  • Baby Root Canals
  • Metal Braces
  • Ceramic Braces
  • Invisalign®
  • Dental Sedation
  • Same-Day Emergency Care
  • Special Needs Dentistry

Contact Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for more information about our pediatric oral healthcare!

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