Health Tip: Chewing Sugarless Gum

(HealthDay News) — If you want to take an extra step to help prevent cavities, chewing sugarless gum may be just what the dentist ordered.

The American Dental Association offers this advice:

  • Choose sugarless gum to help boost saliva production and wash away bacteria.
  • Increased saliva can raise tooth exposure to calcium and phosphate, both of which strengthen tooth enamel.
  • Chew the gum for about 20 minutes after a meal.
  • Chewing gum, however, is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.