Who would’ve thought that one of the most sought out candy items would actually be… good for your health. Yes, you read that right! Recent studies show that enjoying a piece of sugar-free bubble gum could actually have benefits to your health.

Exactly How Does Sugar-Free Gum Benefit Your Health?

In order for a product to earn the ADA seal, the product and/or company must demonstrate that it meets the requirements for safety, efficacy, and health established by the association. Therefore, having gum finally receive the seal of approval by the ADA is a major moment for gum lovers and dentists alike.

The type of efficacy the ADA looks for in a product may include benefits such as reducing plaque acids, promoting re-generalization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. The world’s most popular guilty pleasure might not be so guilty after all, since it meets the established efficacy, according to ADA professionals.

Talk About Bringing ‘Sweet’ Back

Along with several other health benefits, professionals are now recommending that patients enjoy a piece of gum after a meal. We all know that a healthy mouth equals a healthy life. According to recent studies and the approval by the ADA, chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal can actually prevent tooth decay and therefore seeing an overall improvement in your health. Saliva contains necessary calcium and phosphate that strengthens tooth enamel, but reinforcing your enamel by chewing sugar-free gum can be especially beneficial in fighting off bacteria and decay.

When enjoying the many flavors available of sugar-free gum, you are actually experiencing an increase in saliva flow in your mouth. The saliva then washes away food and neutralizes acids, cleaning and protecting your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria.

Not All Flavors Are Made Equal

Not all brands and manufacturers are the same. In fact, you’ll want to make sure your gum is sugar-free and has the seal of approval by the ADA. Although regular gum also increases your saliva flow as well, it’s not necessarily beneficial to your mouth. The sugar actually feeds the bacteria in your mouth, putting you at a greater risk to experiencing tooth decay.

Look For the ADA Seal of Approval

As stated earlier, products and brands alike must go through a specific process to meet requirements, health and efficacy regulations established by the ADA. A company must include lab results and clinical studies to even be considered by the ADA. Whenever you’re looking for the appropriate brand or make of gum, look for the ADA seal of approval.

Don’t Stop Brushing and Flossing

Don’t get carried away with these studies and information on the health benefits of chewing sugar-free gum! Even though chewing sugar-free gum can aid in keeping your mouth healthy, it should never serve as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Your best defense against decay and dental disease is to brush teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste as well as floss once daily!

If there is anything you should take away from any of this is that you should seriously consider adding sugarless gum to your list of mouth-healthy habits. Combine that with your solid flossing and brushing skills & you should be experiencing a beautiful smile!