Traditional vs. Holistic Toothpaste

Good oral health depends on various factors, and choosing the right toothpaste is one of those. With so many toothpastes on the market, how do you know which to choose? Between traditional and holistic toothpaste, it boils down to personal preference, as each type has positive features, benefits, and differences.

Read on as we cover the ingredients, benefits, costs, and effectiveness of traditional and holistic toothpaste, helping you navigate the best option for your oral health.

Ingredients: What’s Inside?

Traditional toothpaste combines fluoride, abrasives, flavoring, and humectants. The first ingredient strengthens enamel, the second ingredient polishes teeth to a gleaming shine, the third ingredient is pleasant to the tastebuds, and the fourth ingredient keeps toothpaste moist to prevent dryness, spoilage, or crumbling.

Holistic toothpaste typically contains a natural breath freshener, such as spearmint or peppermint oils, antibacterial elements in organic oil forms, ginseng root or turmeric extract to soothe gums, and nano-hydroxyapatite. The latter ingredient is a natural alternative to fluoride, strengthening enamel and reducing the risk of painful sensitivities.

Traditional and Holistic Toothpaste: Key Benefits

Holistic and traditional toothpaste have similar benefits, bolstering oral hygiene. However, where holistic toothpaste is chemical-free, eco-friendly, and customizable, traditional toothpaste uses synthetic ingredients, comes in disposable packing, and comes in (usually) one of three flavors: mint, cinnamon, or berries.

Packed with fluoride, traditional (also known as commercial) toothpaste combats weakened spots in the enamel, preventing them from becoming cavities. Holistic toothpaste has a similar ingredient that is gentler on teeth and gums, soothing inflammation with a less abrasive cleansing method.

Cost Comparisons: Traditional vs. Holistic

Holistic toothpaste is usually more expensive because users pay for wholesome, all-natural ingredients. Traditional toothpaste is distributed worldwide in bulk, so most commercial brands are affordable, depending on their features. However, holistic toothpaste is designed to last longer than traditional, so you save cash after the initial purchase. In some cases, depending on how much toothpaste you use, the price points even out for both types of toothpaste.

Effectiveness and User Experience

Most children begin their lives with traditional toothpaste, so their flavor preferences are instilled. It becomes familiar. Holistic toothpaste is often discovered later in life when individuals become more aware of environmental impact and the benefits of holistic products to their bodies. Ergo, familiarity drives the user experience for traditional toothpaste, and eco-friendliness is the most sought-after experience for holistic toothpaste. 

Effectiveness depends more on an individual’s hygienic habits and less on the kind of toothpaste used. Regardless of the toothpaste, a person’s oral health is determined by how often they brush, some genetics, and their diet and lifestyle.

Personal Preferences: Choosing the Right Toothpaste for You

The best toothpaste is subjective, and it’s up to you to decide what works best for your personal oral hygiene. And that doesn’t mean you have to be linear in your decisions. If you choose traditional toothpaste for one month, you can select holistic toothpaste for another, and vice versa. Trying different kinds of toothpaste will help you gauge your preferences.

To maximize the benefits of holistic and traditional toothpaste, use both—one in the morning and another in the evening. Avoid rinsing your mouth for ten to fifteen minutes after using the holistic toothpaste to allow optimal benefits, like mineral absorption and enamel strengthening.

In Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision for the Health of Your Teeth

Dentists have the know-how, expertise, and experience required to help you make informed decisions about the health of your teeth and gums. When choosing between holistic and traditional toothpaste, please consult with a dentist for their suggestions. Dental professionals can emphasize the pros and cons of both types of toothpaste, guiding you with sound advice to make your decision easier.

Foutz Family Dentistry is one of the best, serving Henderson and Las Vegas for over three decades. Schedule a consultation and examination now to ensure the health and care of your teeth and gums!

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Dental Care in Pregnancy

Pregnancy affects every aspect of a woman’s health, including oral health. Women must continue to go to the dentist regularly while pregnant to catch any dental concerns before they get out of hand.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Oral Health?

The body goes through many changes during pregnancy, which can manifest in different ways:

  • Levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy, which can increase your risk of oral health issues.
  • Eating habits often change during pregnancy, and the kind of food you eat affects the health of your teeth and gums.
  • Many women brush and floss their teeth less while pregnant, either because their gums are more sensitive or because the process makes them nauseous.

Because of these changes, pregnant women are more likely to deal with the conditions below.

Cavities

Pregnant women are more likely to develop cavities. If a cavity is left untreated during pregnancy, the bacteria can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and lead to problems for them after they’re born. Filling these cavities when they occur is essential.The prevailing wisdom is that non-silver filling materials are the best to use in this situation.  Asking your dentist to do any fillings with a silver mercury-free composite resin filling is a perfectly reasonable thing to ask for

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is very common in pregnant women, with about 60 to 75 percent of them dealing with it in some form. Gingivitis is inflammation of your gums that, if left untreated, can lead to serious gum disease. Signs that you may have gingivitis include:

  • Redness or swelling of the gums
  • Tender gums
  • Bleeding of the gums, no matter how gently you brush
  • Shiny gums

Other Potential Concerns

There are a few less common dental concerns that can develop during pregnancy. While they aren’t as common, watching for them and bringing concerns to your dentist is essential.

Other pregnancy-related dental concerns include:

  • Loose teeth: High levels of hormones can temporarily loosen your teeth while pregnant.
  • Pregnancy tumors: These tumors aren’t cancer but are red, raw lumps on the gums between your teeth.
  • Tooth erosion: If you struggle with excessive vomiting during pregnancy, your teeth may be exposed to too much stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion.

Preventing Dental Problems During Pregnancy

The best way to prevent dental problems during pregnancy is to continue going to your regular six-month checkups before and during your pregnancy. When you arrive at your appointment, make sure you tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.  While pregnant, it is advisable to forgo routine x-ray exposure.  In an emergency, however, today’s low dose options for x-rays will enable the best, safest outcome.  This will ensure they give proper, safe treatment for you and the baby.

It’s also wise to let your dentist know if any of the following apply to you:

  • You’re on medication while pregnant (including prenatal vitamins).
  • Your pregnancy is high-risk.
  • Your prenatal care provider has talked to you about oral health concerns.

Takeaway

Your oral health is a vital part of your prenatal care. Make sure you stay consistent with your dental checkups and let us know if you notice any concerning oral symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning to keep your mouth healthy during pregnancy and beyond.

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All About Your Toothbrush

Choosing the right toothbrush is a vital part of proper oral hygiene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the brushes on the market today, but this guide will help you pick the best brush for your mouth.

Manual vs. Electric

The first decision people make when deciding on a toothbrush is whether they want an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Both choices offer benefits depending on your personal preference and needs.

Some people simply choose the toothbrush style they like best. If you’re using the toothbrush properly and it has the ADA seal of approval, it’s a good option. Other than personal preference, the following features cause people to choose electric over manual:

 

  • Many electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors, which can help if you brush too hard.
  • Some electric toothbrushes have different brush settings, letting the bristles and head rotate in many directions or using pulsing motion in addition to the rotation.
  • Most new electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that help you know how long to brush. This can be a great benefit if you struggle to brush for the full two minutes.

Bristles

Toothbrush bristles come in soft, medium, and hard. You can also choose between round and unrounded bristles. Many believe that hard bristles clean their teeth better, but they can be too rough on your enamel and cause you to brush too aggressively. Overly hard bristles can lead to gum recession when combined with hard brushing. Most people will have the best results with soft, rounded bristles.

Size and Shape

You should choose a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and fits in your mouth correctly. If your toothbrush is too big, it won’t easily fit into the back of your mouth, making it hard to brush your molars. Most people like a brush head about an inch long and half an inch wide. However, you can also choose rounded brush heads if you prefer a smaller surface.

Proper Toothbrush Care

No matter what toothbrush you choose, you must care for it properly. To maintain proper oral hygiene, make sure you follow these care instructions for your brush:

 

  • Store your toothbrush upright and out in the open to let the bristles airdry and prevent bacteria from growing between bristles.
  • Rinse your toothbrush with warm water each time you brush your teeth to clear any bacteria between the bristles.
  • Replace your toothbrush (or the head if it’s electric) every three to four months. This helps maintain proper bristle condition and keeps your teeth clean. If you’re sick or have an oral disease, replace it once you recover.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your toothbrush is a personal decision, which is why so many options exist. Make sure your toothbrush is cleaning your teeth properly without being too hard on them. If your brush is approved by the ADA and it’s comfortable to use, it’s a good option. If you have any questions about the right toothbrush, contact us, and our dental team will help you find the best brush for you.

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Facts on Fluoride (And Some Dispelled Myths, Too)

We’ve all heard of fluoride, but what do you really know about this mineral? Although itis naturally occurring in several foods and water, fluoride is also added to oral health products and promoted as a protector against tooth decay. Read on to learn some fascinating (and useful) insights on fluoride and what it can do for your health.

Fluoride 101

Fluoride naturally occurs in water supplies, as the trace element fluorine leeches in from soil and rocks in the groundwater. However, it’s not found in high enough concentrations to be helpful, so most municipal water supplies include additional fluoride that’s added specifically to support oral health.

If you have well water or a non-public water supply, there may not be enough fluoride in it to provide this additional health support. Dentists usually recommend that these people add a fluoride rinse or other supplement to make up the difference.

To dispel some of the most common myths you’ll find online:

  • Fluoride is not dangerous to your health in the amounts which it is needed for proper oral health support.
  • Fluoride does not increase the risk of cancer or autism.
  • Fluoridation is not unnatural or unhealthy – remember, this is a naturally-occurring mineral, and adding it to the water supply promotes better prevention against tooth decay.

Finally, fluoride is included in toothpaste, but the amount is not enough to provide adequate protection. With the additional fluoridated water supply, optimal protection is provided for people in many developed regions, including the U.S. and Europe.

Skip the Bottled Water

Another important topic to discuss is bottled water. With the influx of its popularity, some kids and adultsonly drink prepackaged bottled water. Unfortunately, most of these products do not contain additional fluoride athelpful levels. It’s far better to filter your tap water if you’re going to go this route.

On that note, you’ll want to choose a filtration system carefully, too. Charcoal and carbon filter systems don’t impact fluoride levels, but distillation and reverse osmosis systems can reduce the amount of fluoride in your water. Let your kids drink tap water for optimal oral health.

Otherwise, your dentist may recommend adding a fluoride rinse or another supplement to enhance the health and protection of your teeth.

There are Two Types of Fluoride Treatments

Topical fluoride treatments, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or a professional treatment from your dentist, are one type of fluoride. These act directly on the surface of the existing enamel that’s in place, so they may not be as effective as the other option.

Systemic fluoride is the kind found in water and dietary supplements. It’s ingested, instead of applied directly, and works to strengthen the teeth as they grow and develop from the inside. Supplements are only available via prescription, in the form of drops, lozenges, or tablets.

Want to know more? Ask your dentist about fluoride and your oral health, and find out how you can take better care of your teeth with simple changes.

 

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The 6 Steps of the Dental Cleaning Process

For most of us, dental cleanings are a regular part of life. Seeing the dentist twice a year to maintain oral health is a simple step, but it’s one that a lot of people overlook. Whether you’re new to the world of dentistry, if it’s been a while since your last appointment, or if you’re just curious to see what to expect, we’ve got you covered.

Although the exact steps in the process may vary slightly from one dentist or hygienist to the next, it’s basically the same no matter where you go.

Step One: The Exam

Before doing anything, your dentist or hygienist is going to want to poke around and see what state your oral health is in. In addition to general health, they will look for specific issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, or other oral health concerns. They may also request X-rays to get a thorough view of the situation.

Step Two: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Once the exam is complete, it’s cleaning time. That starts with plaque and tartar removal, which is usually most people’s leastfavorite part of teeth cleaning. Using a variety of metal tools and a small mirror, the dentist or dental hygienist will scrape all the tartar and plaque from your teeth. Then, your mouth will be rinsed before moving to the next stage.

Step Three: Deep Cleaning

The next step is to do a deep cleaning with an electric toothbrush. This is a professional-grade version of the kinds you can buy to use at home, and it’s usually combined with a gritty toothpaste to help deep clean and restore some of the shine. This can remove additional plaque and debris that is missed in the initial process.

Step Four: Flossing

Once brushing is complete, your hygienist or dentist will floss your teeth vigorously and thoroughly. This helps remove any remaining debris and ensures that your gums are clean and healthy. For those who floss regularly, this step usually is fairly painless. Those who have gum health concerns or who don’t floss may deal with some bleeding or slight discomfort during this process.

Step Five: Fluoride Treatment

Most cleanings conclude with a fluoride treatment. The dentist will fill a tray with fluoride gel and then put it in your mouth and tell you to bite down. This will stay in your mouth for a few minutes before being removed. Then your mouth will be rinsed a final time.

Step Six: Rinse and Repeat

Technically, the last step is just a gentle reminder. You should be getting dental cleanings every six months, or at the very least, once a year, to keep your oral health in its best condition. And once you feel how clean your mouth is after a visit to the dentist, the chances are good that you’ll be ready to go back.

Prevention is a lot easier and more affordable when it comes to your teeth, which is why regular cleanings are essential. Schedule your check-up and cleaning today if you haven’t had one in the last six months!

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Tongue Talk: Facts About Your 8-Muscle Organ

How much do you know about your tongue? Sure, it’s important for speaking and for removing food stuck in between your teeth. However, this fascinating organ is one of the most important parts of your mouth. Here are some little-known facts about your tongue.

1. Your Tongue Has 8 Muscles

Your tongue is one of the most flexible parts of your body, thanks to the eight muscles it contains. However, the idea that it’s the strongest muscle in the body is just a myth. That honor belongs to the quads and glutes.

2. No Saliva, No Taste

Did you know that without saliva, the taste buds on your tongue couldn’t do their job? That’s right. Saliva is necessary to help flavors bind to the receptor molecules. Your tongue is also partially responsible for producing saliva, through the submandibular glands at its base.

3. Your Taste Buds Die and Are Replaced

The tongue can have as few as 2,000 or as many as 10,000 taste buds. However, they’re not permanent. Some of them die off every week and are replaced with new ones. They’re also located all over the tongue, and the idea that different areas of the tongue correspond to salty, sweet, sour, and bitter tastes is just a myth. Every part of the tongue can taste all tastes.

4. The Color of Your Tongue Says a Lot About Your Health

A normal, healthy tongue is pink. However, if your tongue is red, it’s a sign that you may be suffering from allergies or an infection. White patches on the tongue often indicate a fungal overgrowth, while blistering is usually a sign of an allergic reaction (blood pressure medicines can also cause your tongue to blister).

5. Your Tongue Is a Haven for Bacteria

If you look closely at your tongue, you’ll see that it’s covered by tiny bumps called papillae. That’s completely normal, but it also makes your tongue a perfect home for bacteria. The best way to deal with them is to brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Note that a tongue that’s too smooth (missing a lot of papillae) is an indication that you’re deficient in folic acid.

6. You Can Store Fat in Your Tongue

Recent studies have shown that the tongue stores fat much like other parts of the body. This can lead to a larger-than-normal tongue and increase your risk of sleep apnea due to obstruction by the tongue.

The Amazing, Essential Tongue

Your tongue is one of the most important parts of your mouth, and yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to oral care. Vital for speaking, essential for tasting, and irreplaceable, the tongue deserves a little TLC.

You should brush your tongue twice a day, just like your teeth. You should also keep an eye on its color and texture for clues to other health conditions. Regular visits to your doctor will help ensure that you’re able to keep your tongue, teeth, and gums in good health.

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9 Things to Know about Cavities

For most people, a trip to the dentist might involve filling a cavity. These erosions in teeth are often painful and sometimes unsightly. But what are cavities? How do they form? What can you do to prevent them? Here are nine things you should know about cavities.

What Are They Called?

Cavities, caries, erosions – they all amount to the same thing – a hole in your teeth that may become painful and will grow larger if left untreated.

Are They Caused by Worms?

Many ancient cultures believed cavities were caused by worms that drank the “blood” of your teeth and ate the roots. While inaccurate, that’s not too far from the truth. Instead of a worm, bacteria cause cavities.

The 1-2-3 Combo

The bacteria that live in your mouth need a couple of things to thrive and cause cavities – a lack of frequent brushing, a diet rich in sugar and/or processed foods, and saliva.

More Veggies, Please

Bacteria love highly processed foods but cannot process whole foods (think broccoli, cauliflower, etc.). A diet rich in whole foods, particularly vegetables, can help you prevent cavities.

It’s All About the Acid

Bacteria don’t cause cavities directly. Instead, the acid produced when these microorganisms eat is responsible for eroding your tooth enamel. It’s a natural byproduct of consuming food debris in your mouth.

Remineralization Can Happen

If you give your teeth enough time and prevent bacteria from permanently colonizing the area, they’re capable of re-mineralizing damaged areas (before the damage becomes too severe). That’s what brushing and flossing do – they remove bacteria so that your teeth have time to heal.

Multiple Types

Did you know there was more than one type of cavity? The three most common are pit and fissure cavities, which tend to form on the tops of molars, smooth surface cavities, which form on the sides of teeth, and root cavities, which form just below the gum line.

Many Stages of Development

A cavity continues to grow the longer it’s left untreated. They begin as enamel cavities. Here, the hole only affects the enamel of the tooth – the outermost layer. Next, they progress to dentin cavities, where the hole erodes into the softer second layer of dentin.

Pulpitis is the next stage, where the cavity reaches the tooth pulp. This is the most painful stage and can lead to infection. Finally, the cavity results in periodontitis, which can result in bone infection and can usually only be treated by oral surgery.

How to Treat Cavities

In most cases, cavities are treated the same way. Your dentist will drill out the decayed part of the tooth and then replace the hole with a filling. In the past, fillings were often made from silver or gold, but porcelain and amalgam are more commonly used today.

Here’s to Your Oral Health

Cavities affect most people in the US at some point in their lives, but they’re not unavoidable. Regular brushing and flossing will help keep bacteria from building up and destroying your enamel. Regular visits to your dentist will also help keep your teeth clean and free of damage.

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Sudden Tooth Pain? Here’s What Might Be Causing It

Dental pain is some of the most intense you’ll ever experience. And when it appears suddenly, it can be very alarming. What might be causing your agony? Here are a few likely suspects.

Heat or Cold

Perhaps the most common reason for sudden tooth pain is worn tooth enamel and exposure to heat or cold. Did the pain appear shortly after eating or drinking something hot or cold? Was it a sharp flash of pain? Temperature sensitivity is a sign that you should make an appointment with your dentist to check for erosion.

Increased Sensitivity

Have you noticed that your teeth have become more sensitive? If that’s the case, you may have receding gums. Gum tissue surrounds and protects the roots of your teeth, and when it recedes, it exposes parts of the roots to the air, as well as to foods and liquids. Eventually, that can lead to infections and gum disease.

Cracked Tooth

It’s easy to spot cracked teeth most of the time, but sometimes hairline cracks form that are all but invisible. They can still lead to considerable dental pain, though. The good news is that your dentist has solutions for cracked teeth, including veneers and crowns.

Gum Infection

Almost half of all American adults suffer from some degree of gum disease. As gum disease escalates, it can make your teeth and gums more sensitive, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. That can include not just foods and beverages, but also outside air if you’re breathing through your mouth, such as while jogging or during other forms of exercise.

Your Toothpaste

Activated charcoal is everywhere today, including in many different toothpaste formulations. While charcoal can certainly help address mild staining, it also causes tooth sensitivity when used too frequently. If you’re fixed on using charcoal toothpaste, don’t overuse it.

Bleaching Products

Bleaching products are very popular today and can help you whiten your teeth by several shades right in your own home. However, they are not particularly gentle and can cause sudden sensitivity. If you stop using the whitening product, the sensitivity should go away.

Grinding Your Teeth or Clenching Your Jaws

Do you ever have to force yourself to relax your jaw and stop clenching your teeth? Does your dentist suspect that you grind your teeth at night? Both actions wear away at your enamel and can cause sensitivity. Wearing a mouthguard at night can help prevent grinding and clenching. You’ll find over-the-counter mouthguards, but your dentist may also be able to custom-make one to fit your mouth.

Lost Filling

One of the most common causes of sudden tooth pain is the loss of a filling. While fillings can last indefinitely, they can fall out, leaving the hole in your tooth open and exposing the interior of your tooth to temperature extremes that may cause sudden pain.

Experiencing unexplained sudden tooth pain? Your dentist can help. Make an appointment to have your teeth inspected as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.

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How Can You Tell If You Have a Cavity?

Cavities (dental erosion) are the most common oral health disease in the US. Most children will have at least one cavity and up to 30% of adults in the country have untreated cavities. Without proper care, cavities can grow and destroy teeth, as well as cause more serious issues, like bone infections. It’s important to have cavities treated as soon as possible, but how do you tell if you have one?

Temperature Sensitivity

One of the most common signs that you’ve got a cavity is sudden sensitivity to heat and cold in your mouth. If you take a gulp of cold water and experience a stabbing pain in your mouth, chances are good you have a cavity. The problem here is that when a cavity exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, the microscopic tunnels in the dentin make perfect channels for food and drink to stimulate the nerve inside the tooth.

Sugar Sensitivity

While temperature sensitivity is a common sign you might have a cavity, so is sensitivity to sugar in foods and drinks. In most cases, this will be a lingering discomfort that lasts for several minutes after eating or drinking something sugary and is caused by exposure of the dentin layer within a growing cavity.

Tooth Pain

There are few things as hard to deal with as a toothache, particularly when the pain becomes severe. Toothaches are prime signs that you’re dealing with an oral health problem, which is most likely a cavity. However, other issues can cause toothaches, so you must visit a dentist as soon as possible to have the situation diagnosed. Note that toothaches can be sudden, or they can grow slowly and continually. You may also experience pressure in the area when biting or chewing.

White Spots

In many cases, cavities begin as white spots on your teeth. Over time, they can darken, eventually becoming brown or even black. If you notice telltale staining, it’s important to visit your dentist to have the growing cavity treated.

A Visible Hole

If left untreated, a cavity will eventually form a visible hole or pit in your tooth. You may be able to see this when you look in a mirror and/or feel it with your tongue. However, not all cavities can be seen or felt. That’s particularly true if they form under the gumline or between teeth, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months.

Prevent Cavities with Good Oral Care and Regular Dentist Visits

While cavities can be painful and lead to major oral health problems, the good news is that they’re preventable. Brushing after meals and flossing every night can help prevent plaque build-up that leads to cavities.

Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and make sure to drink plenty of water to dilute the acid that causes cavities in the first place. Combine that with regular dentist visits and you have a good chance of not experiencing another cavity.

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Does Chewing Gum Hurt or Help Your Teeth?

Gum has been around for thousands of years in various forms. Today, there are plenty of myths and facts about whether it’s good or bad for you. We’re here to lay the claims to rest and give you the information you’ve been looking for.

Gum originally came from the sap of spruce or chicle trees. People chewed it for the same reasons they chew gum today: as something enjoyable to put in the mouth and to pass the time.

Modern chewing gum, though, isn’t quite what it used to be. It’s made mostly from synthetic rubbers and artificial flavorings, meaning that it has some potential health risks that weren’t associated with original gum chewing. In fact, it’s full of plenty of ingredients that you probably didn’t know you were putting into your mouth.

 

  • “Gum” – a rubbery base that makes the product chewy
  • Resin – used to strengthen gum and make it last longer
  • Fillers – what gives gum a particular texture (ex: calcium carbonate, talc)
  • Preservatives – compounds that make gum have a stable shelf life (ex: butylated hydroxytoluene or BHT)
  • Softeners – substances that keep gum from hardening (ex: wax, paraffin, vegetable oil)
  • Sweeteners – natural sugar, corn syrup, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners such as aspartame
  • Flavorings – natural or artificial flavorings

All of these ingredients are considered food grade and deemed “safe” by the FDA; however, they aren’t often labeled well and sometimes appear as a simple “gum base” ingredient. You should decide for yourself whether or not you want to consume the ingredients in chewing gum.

Certain experts deem chewing gum to have benefits for the mouth, such as:

  • Preventing cavities – Sugar-free gum can help prevent tooth decay, especially when it’s sweetened with xylitol.
  • Reducing bad breath – Xylitol prevents bad bacteria growth, which is a common cause of bad breath.

It can also have negative side effects though, including:

  • Causing cavities – If you chew gum with added sugar, this can be a cause of cavities.
  • Plaque buildup – Sugar is dissolved by bad bacteria in your mouth, which increases plaque growth.
  • Metabolic conditions – Too much sugar, even in the form of gum, can cause diabetes, obesity, and other health issues.
  • Jaw problems – People who chew gum all day long often develop TMJ, or temporomandibular disorder, which causes pain, tightness, and immobility of the jaw.
  • Headaches and teeth grinding – Gum chewing can also cause tension headaches and migraines, which can cause jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Chewing gum here and there, especially when it’s sugar-free and made with natural ingredients, typically won’t harm your teeth. Chewing healthy gum in moderation can even help prevent cavities and rid the mouth of bad bacteria. However, if you’re choosing gums full of artificial ingredients and sugar—and chewing them from sun-up to sun-down—then it could mean a range of dental problems, such as cavities, plaque buildup, tooth decay, and jaw disorders, or even more serious metabolic disorders.

Choose your gum carefully and remember—everything in moderation.

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Ezbond A. Foutz, D.D.S.
4 Generations of Dentists Spanning 3 Centuries
1st Generation:

Great Grandfather

Dr. Ezbond A. Foutz
Harold B. Foutz, D.D.S.
4 Generations of Dentists Spanning 3 Centuries
2nd Generation:

Grandfather

Dr. Harold B. Foutz
Lawrence C. Foutz, D.D.S.
4 Generations of Dentists Spanning 3 Centuries
3rd Generation:

Father

Dr. Lawrence C. Foutz
Barton H. Foutz, D.D.S.
4 Generations of Dentists Spanning 3 Centuries
4th Generation:

Family and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Barton H. Foutz