The Benefits of Chewing Sugarless Gum

Depending on the type of gum you’re chewing, it can have a positive or negative effect on your oral health. Chewing sugarless gum after meals has been proven to help rinse acids that attract bacteria, which destroy tooth enamel. Food particles can easily get stuck or lodged against your teeth. Chewing gum increases saliva, neutralizing acids and helping to wash away remaining food particles and debris. Miami Dental recommends patients chew gum, but only if they make sure it is sugar-free.

Gum filled with sugar may taste better but it is really harmful to your teeth. Sugars attract bacteria and cause tooth decay, which ultimately leads to cavities. This is why it’s extremely harmful to allow sugar to rest on the teeth. Sugary gum is inside your mouth and against your teeth for longer because of its function as a chewable apparatus. Instead of relieving breath odor, producing saliva, and dislodging food particles, sugary chewing gum is causing more harm than good by lacing your teeth with even more bacteria-attracting sugar. 

Chewing sugarless gum also should not be a substitute for proper oral hygiene as patients should still brush and floss daily. They should also visit us twice a year for professional cleanings.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirshl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. Visit our website at www.miami-dental.net or stop in and fill out a contact form.

Teeth Whitening

At Miami Dental we offer GLO chairside teeth whitening for patients who want teeth that are spotless and bright. It is recommended that patients come and see one of our dentists to learn which kind of whitening suits them best, since high-powered whitening works better for patients who don't suffer from sensitivity.

For patients for whom chairside whitening is not suggested, there are more natural ways to your teeth as white as possible. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with extra-fluoridated toothpaste, along with flossing, builds a good foundation for brighter teeth. It is important to avoid foods that stain such as red wine, coffee, and tea as well as to avoid tobacco use of any kind.

For patients that have an interest in teeth whitening, Miami Dental can assist you with any questions or concerns. But remember, whitening has to be maintained with at home care and a couple visits a year to Miami Dental.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirshl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website at miami-dental.com, Miami Dental through a contact form.