Apple Valley, MN : The Dakota Dental dentists in Apple Valley, Minnesota, want to correct misconceptions and promote the truth about chewing gum. Though in previous times chewing gum was considered a bad habit that caused oral health problems, today’s family dentists at Dakota Dental know differently.

Chewing gum can actually be good for a person’s mouth if she or he chooses sugar-free gum. Gum containing sugar feeds the bacteria that create cavity-causing acids while certain sugar-free gums are believed to suppress bacterial acid production. Further, the act of chewing gum creates saliva which helps to rinse away food particles as well as the effects of bacteria that causes teeth cavities.

There is a sugar-free sweetener used in some brands of gum that is showing great promise for inhibiting bacteria growth. This sweetener is called xylitol, and with long-term use it has been shown to reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria on tooth surfaces.

For some people, chewing gum of any kind is not recommended. If a person is sensitive to non-sugar sweeteners, he or she can experience painful and/or uncomfortable side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. For those who experience jaw pain or other symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder, also known as TMJ or TMD, chewing gum should be avoided.

Regardless of the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, it should never be considered as a replacement for good oral health habits like brushing and flossing. Dakota Dental family dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend brushing teeth twice a day and flossing once a day to maintain healthy teeth.