Contributed by Specialist Dental Group
Have you ever thought how chewing gum may benefit you? The Singapore government banned chewing gum from being imported and sold in the country in 1992 to preserve cleanliness as people were disposing of their chewed up gum in inappropriate places. In 2004, limited sale of chewing gum was allowed for therapeutic purposes by pharmacies and dentists.
Depending on the ingredients, there are certain brands that contain small amount of nicotine, helping smokers to quit their habit gradually. We all know how smoking destroys one’s health, including oral health! Or if you are susceptible to tooth decay, gum containing Xylitol (a sugar substitute) may have some benefit for you. Some studies have indicated that one of the benefits of Xylitol is caries prevention.
Chewing of gum after meals also helps to stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva helps to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria in plaque, which if left untouched, will erode enamel and cause dental decay and bad breath. Chewing gum can also help relieve pressure in your ears and sinuses by encouraging jaw movement.
Despite the dental benefits, however, frequent chewing may cause muscle fatigue, jaw joint pain, or headaches. Thus, moderation in consumption is always advised to prevent your jaw from overworking. Chewing gum fans should also bear in mind that gum chewing cannot replace the need to brush, floss and make regular visits to your dentist to ensure your teeth and gums are in tiptop condition.
Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). For more information on different types of dental treatments, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883.
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