Dentists at a Dental Clinic in Granite Quarry NC increasingly recommend that patients chew sugarless gum after eating if they can’t brush their teeth. This quick midday solution helps remove food particles from teeth and stimulates saliva production, which has protective effects against tooth decay. Sugar-free gum containing xylitol is especially helpful.
The sugar in many foods and beverages sticks to teeth and provides food for bacteria that are harmful to teeth. As those bacteria multiply, they generate an acid that is destructive to tooth enamel. Xylitol stops bacteria from sticking to teeth and it also lowers the acid level in the mouth to a healthier pH balance. Bacteria that thrive on sugar cannot utilize this particular substance. In addition to these preventive effects, xylitol actually helps tooth enamel gain back some of the minerals it loses during the initial attack on teeth by bacteria.
Xylitol is a natural plant-based sweetener, derived from the fiber content of berries and vegetables. To understand how safe it is, consider that the human body also produces xylitol while metabolizing carbohydrates, which break down into glucose during digestion. Sugar-free gum is not the only product to which xylitol is added; people also can find the substance in candy, mouthwash and toothpaste.
A Dental Clinic in Granite Quarry NC promotes the use of fluoride since this substance is well-known for protecting tooth enamel against decay and has the ability to remineralize teeth to a certain extent. However, fluoride chewing gum is not readily available, and brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste in the middle of the day isn’t convenient for many people. Xylitol chewing gum is a welcome alternative to produce similar beneficial results.
A dentist such as Robert S. Ogden can explain more about the best products to prevent enamel erosion between brushing sessions. Since a large percentage of people only brush their teeth first thing in the morning and right before bed at night, that leaves many hours during the day when using a convenient protective product would be of benefit. Visit the website to learn more about this practice and to find contact information. You can also visit them on Twitter.
