Chewing Gum for Your Oral Health | Pediatric Dentist Mechanicsville

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Chewing Gum for Your Oral Health | Pediatric Dentist Mechanicsville

Pediatric Dentist in Short Pump - Pediatric Dentist in Mechanicsville

Sugary, sticky, and sweet candies can damage your teeth by increasing your risk of decay. Though gum can be considered a type of candy, chewing sugarless gum approved by the ADA can actually help protect teeth and prevent tooth decay. Here’s what you need to know about gum and your teeth.

Children’s Dentist Mechanicsville

How it Works

Chewing gum helps increase the production of saliva. Chewing sugarless gum for twenty minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay because the saliva helps wash away food and other debris from the surface of your teeth. Increased salivary flow can also neutralize acids that bacteria produce inside your mouth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, leading to decay. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which aid in strengthening tooth enamel. 

Look for the ADA Seal

The ADA Seal assures you that the gum is sugarless and has met the ADA’s criteria for safety and effectiveness. ADA-labeled products are tested to ensure they provide the benefits guaranteed by the seal. Companies must verify all relevant data with the ADA to become certified. If you are unable to brush for a short period of time, chewing gum with the ADA seal is a great option to help clean your teeth after a meal or snack.

Can I Stop Brushing if I Chew Gum?

No. Chewing gum for twenty minutes after a meal helps but is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. You should brush at least twice each day, for two full minutes. Chewing gum also does not eliminate your need for regular dental examinations. Our dentist recommends scheduling two visits each year, with additional visits necessary for high-risk patients with oral health conditions. 

Chewing sugarless gum has noticeable benefits for your oral health, such as increasing the production of saliva. While this can help prevent the build up of decay-causing bacteria, chewing gum should not be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing. Our dentist recommends that if you are chewing gum, be sure to choose an ADA approved brand of sugarless gum.

To schedule your next visit, please contact our Mechanicsville Pediatric dental office.

Resources:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/chewing-gum

http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum

Sparkle Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (804) 746-7382
8302 Center Path Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Sparkle Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: 804-746-7382
11934 W. Broad St., Suite 120
Henrico, VA 23233

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“Dr. Lewis is truly wonderful. My son has a serious case of white coat anxiety but she goes out of her way to treat him while also making him feel comfortable. He’s gotten to the point now where he has even said he wants to be a dentist. I would recommend Sparkle Pediatric Dentistry 1000 times over!!!”

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Mechanicsville, VA and Henrico, VA Pediatric Dentist

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Best Pediatric Dentist in Mechanicsville and Short Pump

Our practice has always had the very highest of standards when it comes to your health and that hasn’t changed. Every time you visit our office, our primary goal is to ensure you and your child’s health and your safety

We continue to maintain and uphold the requirements set forth by the CDC, OSHA, and the ADA in regards to sanitation and infection control, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all.

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Mechanicsville, VA and Henrico, VA Pediatric Dentist

Mechanicsville Pediatric Dental Office

8302 Center Path Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23116

Office Hours

Monday: 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 2PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Short Pump Pediatric Dental Office

11934 W. Broad St. Suite 120
Henrico, VA 23233

Office Hours

Monday: 8AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 2PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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Mechanicsville, VA and Henrico, VA Pediatric Dentist