In order to maintain ideal oral health, it is imperative that you uphold proper dental hygiene. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Also, floss your teeth at least once a day. Making sure that you visit High Desert Dental at least twice a day is also important to your dental health. If you would like a little extra help preventing cavities, chewing sugar-free gum is a good option.

Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva flow, washing away food and other debris. Saliva also neutralizes acids from bacteria in the mouth. In addition, saliva flow carries calcium and phosphate, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.

When selecting chewing gum, look for the ADA Seal. Gum with the ADA Seal is sugarless and sweetened with non-cavity causing sweeteners. While chewing gum with sugar will also increase your saliva flow, it contains sugar which plaque bacteria uses to produce acids. These acids cause decay.

By no means should chewing sugar-free gum replace brushing and flossing. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. We invite you to contact High Desert Dental today to learn more about ways to prevent cavities and to schedule a visit with our dentists in Boise, Idaho, Dr. Fethke and Kooyman.