Chewing gum is an unusual food because it does not contribute any nutritional value and hardly contains any calories – however, sugar-free gum does have oral health benefits. Many people assume that chewing gum is bad for your health, but sugar free chewing gum is actually endorsed by many dentists due to it helping to prevent cavities.

Fresh breath

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help to stave off unpleasant odours and keep your mouth smelling clean and fresh. Chewing gum is especially beneficial if you have eaten foods with a strong odour, such as onions, spicy food or garlic. Chewing gum can also help to keep your mouth feeling fresh between brushing.

Preventing cavities

Clinical studies have proven that chewing sugar-free gum can help to prevent cavities because it stimulates saliva production, which blocks the harmful plaque acid attacks. Plaque acids are produced when the bacteria in plaque reacts with sugary and starchy foods, which then weakens the enamel surfaces of the tooth and leaves the teeth vulnerable to damage and decay. Studies have shown that the most beneficial time to chew gum is around 20-30 minutes after eating.

Remineralisation

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production and this helps to clear starchy food deposits out of the mouth and promotes remineralisation of tooth enamel. Remineralisation helps to prevent decay.

Healthy gums

Chewing gum encourages saliva production, which keeps the gums moist and also stimulates the gums and this helps to keep them in healthy working order.