Does sugarless gum or candy prevent decay?
Until recently, the idea that sugarless gum would actually prevent tooth decay was based on the fact that sugar substitutes do not promote decay, and the gum base itself has a detersive effect which means that the mechanical action of chewing gum tends to remove some plaque from teeth. All gums have detersive qualities. This quality is fairly marginal, and does not substitute for brushing and flossing. Regular sugared gum will promote decay since the presence of the sugar induces acid which remains on the teeth for the full time that the gum tastes sweet, plus an extra 20 minutes. Sugarless gum sweetened with sorbitol, manitol or other non sugar sweeteners will not promote decay.
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