Redmond Molloy Blog

Simply chewing gum can cut your need for fillings.

  

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Chewing gum can help to maintain oral health in a number of ways:

• First thing to say is that the benefits are all based on chewing sugar free gum.
• Chewing gum helps to reduce tooth decay by removing food debris ansd bacteria from the teeth.
• The action of chewing stimulates the flow of saliva.
• Saliva neutralises mouth acids which cause decay.
• Saliva contains minerals that can strengthen the teeth.
• An adequate flow of saliva is essential for a healthy and comfortable mouth.
• The action of the chewing gum on the teeth can help to remove plaque as it is starting to form.
• This helps to prevent gingivitis which is caused by plaque and calculus.
• Sugar snacking between meals can be reduced. Less food particles around teeth will lower the risk of tooth decay.
• It helps to reduce or resist the urge to smoke. Smoking is a serious risk to oral and general health.
• It will help but doesn't replace the need for a regular clean and examination with us.

It is important that you  chew sugarfree gum. Sugar is one of the main causes of decay and gum disease. 

 When is the best time to chew gum?

• It is best to chew soon after eating.
  • Chewing for about fifteen minutes removes food debris and plaque, and stimulates the flow of saliva.
  • Remember that plaque starts to form again within half and hour of cleaning your teeth. 
  • It provides oral care between brushings.

Can chewing gum replace brushing and flossing?

• No, it's not that easy unfortunately. Chewing can add to your daily routine of dental care, but it cannot replace the tooth brush and Floss.
• Chewing gum does not clean between the teeth. Floss cleans between your teeth, which is where plaque can do the most damage and can lead to flossing cavities. 

Why has it taken so long to recognise the usefulness of chewing gum?

• Eating patterns are changing and so is the awareness of oral health.
  • Frequent snacking is now common. This calls for the more frequent use of chewing gum.
  • People are eating more refined, sugar-rich foods.
  • High sugar consumption as well as frequent sugar consumption, are some of the main causes of tooth decay.
  • Frequent snackers may need to clean their teeth more often than twice a day to prevent plaque formation and tooth decay.
  • Chewing gum is easy to have on hand to clean teeth and freshen breath.
• Refined foods do not require the vigorous chewing which increases the production of saliva.  

 How can chewing gum help older people?

• Many older people suffer from a dry mouth condition called xerostomia.
  • It can be caused by medical ailments or medication.
  • Bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease are all symptoms of xerostomia.
  • Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow and can assist in solving the problems of xerostomia. 

  Fun facts about chewing gum 

• The first patent for chewing gum was issued in1869 to William F. Semple, a dentist from Mount Vernon, OH.
• In the early 1900s, William Wrigley Jr. was one of the first to promote the sale of branded goods through advertising. Wrigley's new spearmint gum quickly became a best seller.
• During WWII, U.S. military personnel spread the popularity of chewing gum by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia and around the world.
• Cinnamon, spearmint and peppermint are among the most popular flavors of chewing gum today.
• Why is bubble gum pink? The color of the first successful bubble gum was pink because it was the only color the inventor had left. The color "stuck" and today bubble gum is still predominantly pink.