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Do you chew gum? According to surveys approximately 50% of Americans chew gum, averaging about 170 servings per person per year.

Why do people chew gum?

The reason most people give for chewing gum is to freshen their breath. People also chew gum to stave off hunger, to keep from smoking, and simply for enjoyment. But there is also another reason to chew gum… to prevent cavities.

Sugar-free gum with Xylitol

If you are among the 50% of Americans who enjoy chewing gum, our team at Southeast Family Dental highly recommend that you chew a sugar-free gum sweetened with Xylitol. Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute in chewing gums, mints, and candies. Xylitol has been shown to prevent tooth decay.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol that is extracted from plants. Xylitol tastes sweet, but unlike sugar, Xylitol is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. In addition, Xylitol reduces the decay-causing bacteria in saliva and therefore helps prevent cavities.

Choosing a Xylitol Gum

There are several brands of sugar-free gums with Xylitol on the market: Spry, Epic, and Trident Fusion with Xylitol to name just a few.

Dr. Laura Geiger’s favorite Xylitol gum… Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Sugar Free.