A lot more people are becoming health conscious and are aware of the risks that consuming too much sugar can have on our general health, and especially the health of our teeth and gums.
Our team dentists recommend that patients follow a good oral health routine at home that includes regular tooth brushing using a high-quality toothpaste, flossing between teeth and using mouthwash, not forgetting to make sure they continue with their routine examinations.
We strongly recommend that your toothbrushes should be replaced regularly too – at least every three months and using an electric toothbrush with a small head can be more effective than a standard toothbrush.
Studies are also showing that using chewing gum between meals can also help to reduce the risks of developing dental caries and can help to keep your mouth more healthy too!
What studies show
Chewing gum between meals can be a very effective and useful tool to help improve our oral health in combination with a good brushing routine at home.
One study from King’s College London compared the levels of dental caries developing in adults and children. The study involved monitoring patients chewing sugar-free gum to those using sweets, breath freshening lozenges, mouth rinses and tablets.
The study showed that chewing sugar-free gum can plan an important role in improving oral health beyond brushing alone. This is important because continuing research is showing a strong connection between people’s oral health and their general health and well-being.
Choose sugar-free gum
Despite there being great advancements in dental treatments over recent years, the rate of dental caries still remains of great concern. Tooth decay is one of the most significant health conditions affecting children in this country today.
Instead of giving children sweets to eat between meals, parents should be encouraged to set a good example by chewing sugar-free gum themselves and offering sugar-free gum to their older children.
The King’s College London study highlights the positive impact that chewing sugar-free gum can have on reducing rates of dental decay in both adults and children.
Encouraging healthy habits
As well as attending your routine dental check-ups, it would be a good idea for you to book regular appointments with our dental hygienist for a deep cleaning between check-ups and using sugar-free gum to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh.
Our dental hygienist can also give you plenty of helpful advice about following a healthy diet and creating an effective daily oral hygiene routine to practice at home to help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar that contribute to tooth decay and other dental health conditions.
Book your examination today!
Our team always say that prevention is better than cure! Book your dental examination today to get yourself set up with a good oral health routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the need for future dental treatment.
