Our Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentist Shares Facts About Chewing Gum

Many parents are reluctant to let their parents chew gum. There are a lot of myths about chewing gum. Local kids dentists want parents to know the following about chewing gum.

It Isn’t Harmful to Swallow Gum

You may have heard that it is harmful to let your child swallow gum. Swallowing gum won’t harm your child. It will move through your child’s digestive system just like any other food that they eat. However, Sherrills Ford pediatric dentists recommend that you tell your children to not swallow gum. It doesn’t have any dietary benefits.

Every Type of Gum Isn’t Bad

There are many types of gum that are high in sugar. That is why if your child chews sugar-containing gum, then they will be more likely to develop tooth decay. You should give your child sugar-free gum. Sugar-free gum is typically sweetened with xylitol. Chewing gum can stimulate the production of saliva. The saliva helps cleanse your mouth naturally.

When you eat something, it causes your mouth to become more acidic. This can increase the risk of tooth decay. However, chewing gum can help neutralize acid.

Xylitol can also help fight the bacteria that causes cavities. Trident is an example of a gum that does not have any sugar in it. In addition to chewing gum, you should use products that have xylitol in it. This includes mouth sprays and mints.

If you are looking for a local kids dentist, then you will need to give us a call. We will help your children keep their teeth and gums healthy.