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Dentist talks about the impact of chewing gum on teeth
Dentist Ozherelyov: To fight caries, you need to chew gum for 20 minutes
Dentist and attending physician at the Kurkino Dental Center Nikolai Ozherelyev told Lenta.ru that chewing gum really does help fight caries. However, he urged that chewing gum is only an additional preventive measure, and not a replacement for brushing and flossing.
Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, wash away food particles and provide the body with minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which strengthen tooth enamel, the dentist said. - Chewing gum containing the natural sweetener xylitol is especially effective. Studies have shown that xylitol can reduce levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth by up to 75%.
Ozherelev emphasized: Chewing gum should not replace regular brushing and flossing. If immediate brushing is not possible, it is most effective as an additional measure after meals.
"For maximum benefits, chew sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after meals. This time, the doctor recommended, allows saliva to effectively wash away food particles and neutralize acids. "If you have any special concerns, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction, consult your dentist before incorporating chewing gum into your daily routine."
Earlier, dentist and implant surgeon Igor Blumkin listed the causes of tartar. He named the lack of oral hygiene as the main reason.