A recent study from Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry published in the British Dental Journal claims that chewing sugar free gum can actually save their country millions in dental bills in the long run.
…And it’s Not Chump Change
Tooth decay is commonly accepted to be reversible if it is caught in its early stages, yet there are still millions of people that need to get fillings every year. This study found that if all 12-year-olds across the UK were to chew one additional piece of sugar free gum per day then the country could save £2.8 million ($3.9 million). If two pieces of sugar free gum were to be chewed per day by all 12-year-olds, this increases to a potential £3.3 million ($4.6 million) and to £8.2 million ($11.5 million) for three pieces. Sugar free gum does a lot to protect your teeth from tooth decay, especially after a meal. Not only does it help breakdown leftover food, but it also helps removing bacteria and plaque build up in your mouth. This is partly through stimulating your mouth to produce saliva. But gum also surrounds and traps bacteria, which is why you should never share a piece of gum with someone. In addition, many sugar-free gums are sweetened with xylene, a sugar alcohol that has antibacterial properties. There are several different types of sugar free gum that is recommended by the American Dental Association, and it is recognized by most dentists as being an effective tool in protecting your teeth.
Take Decay Seriously
Tooth decay is not only embarrassing, but can lead to infected teeth that are potentially deadly if not treated with a root canal. Chewing gum may also protect against gum disease, which can have even more serious health consequences. It is always better to try to preserve your natural teeth so you don’t need other options. If you live in the Blue Bell area and are concerned about the state of your teeth, please visit Dr. Siegel at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell. He can help address any concerns you may have, and show you ways to avoid tooth decay. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (610) 272-0828.
