to chew or not to chew... gum

TO CHEW OR NOT TO CHEW ………GUM

Certain brands of chewing gum can make you more susceptible to tooth decay, while others can help combat decay. Gums that have sugar as an ingredient energize the bacteria in your mouth this may reek havoc on your teeth.

“Sugar is the energy source for bacteria” Explains Dr. Nicholas G. Zeik of Zeik Dental in Marlboro, NJ. Sugar can take upwards of forty five minutes to completely dissolve out of your oral cavity. Dr Zeik recommends, chewing sugarless gum or gum that contains Xyltiol. Xylitol is a natural food substance, that helps promote salvia flow which therefore reduces risk of tooth decay and plaque accumulation. Plaque buildup is known for causing, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.

For more information on this topic, call Dr. Zeik at (732) 863 8040 for a fun informative interview.