The feud between dentists and candy predates all of us. And what is gum if not a candy that you chew far more? Clearly, dentists must loathe chewing gum above all others. For sugar-sweetened gum, it is pretty high up there on a dentist’s “least wanted” list, sugar-free gum, however, may actually come with more than a stamp of approval, but with full-fledged dental support and a toothy smile.
Understanding Sugar-Free Gum
The Dangers of Sugared Gum
Okay, so first off, gum with sugar additives or sweeteners are not what we are talking about. It is important to note that the differences between these two goes far beyond a couple calories, the packaging color, and the “-free” after sugar; gum with a sugar additive is one of the worst things you can subject your teeth to. Not only is sugar a cavity and harmful oral bacteria promoting agent, but in gum it gets ground into and pushed right up against the teeth and gums. If you regularly chew sugared gum, then you are really giving your dentist an uphill battle to fight.
Sugar-Free & Xylitol
Sugar-free doesn’t mean unsweetened, in fact a gum with no sweetener at all would probably not be very popular. Instead, sugar-free gum uses a glucose substitute, most often this is a form of xylitol. Xylitol itself is actually what makes the difference between your dentist begrudgingly accepting the lack of sugar and giving you a pack of gum on your way out of the appointment, largely because xylitol is actually believed to benefit your mouth. While chewing sugar-free gum, the gum itself can serve to dislodge food particles along the teeth and gums whilst the xylitol component helps to prevent bacterial growth.
Xylitol Controversy
There are a couple of controversies surrounding the use of xylitol, especially in food. It should be noted that xylitol is not a naturally occurring product in the way that sugar and stevia are, but rather is made through hydrogenation. Uh-oh. Hydrogenated products have been linked to cancer, weight gain, and more, which is why it shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. Luckily, the xylitol found in a piece of sugar-free gum is slight enough that most anyone, barring a few specific health conditions (like some diabetes), can consume xylitol with confidence. Dogs and other pets, however, can’t properly digest xylitol and should never be allowed to eat these products.
Our Last Word
At Bitterroot Dental, our dentist recommends sugar-free gum to anyone that likes gum already. We see it as an easy way to turn a negative habit to a positive one, even if the difference is slight. The best thing you can do for your teeth is still brush twice a day and visit our Missoula dentist for regular appointments; still, it is nice to know that there are dentist-recommended, guilt-free gums to enjoy.
