Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, causing tooth decay and gum disease. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the foods we eat, producing acids that erode tooth enamel. Controlling this persistent buildup is central to maintaining good oral health. While the right kind of gum can offer real benefits, it works as an aid, not a cure, in the continuous fight against plaque.
How Chewing Gum Increases Plaque Defense
The simple physical act of chewing initiates the first line of defense against plaque. Chewing stimulates the salivary glands, increasing the flow rate and volume of saliva significantly. This surge acts as a natural rinsing agent, physically washing away loose food particles, debris, and some bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth.
Stimulated saliva also possesses a higher concentration of bicarbonate, which gives it a greater buffering capacity. This is crucial for neutralizing the acids produced by plaque bacteria after you eat, helping to restore a neutral pH balance in the mouth. When the oral environment becomes highly acidic (below a pH of 5.5), enamel demineralization begins. Saliva works to counteract this acid attack, protecting the enamel from erosion.
The increased saliva flow also carries essential minerals such as calcium and phosphate ions. These minerals are delivered to the tooth surface, where they contribute to the remineralization of tooth enamel. This process helps to strengthen areas of the tooth that have been weakened by acid exposure, making the enamel more resistant to decay.
The Critical Difference: Active Ingredients
The effectiveness of gum against plaque depends entirely on its composition. Sugary gum actually feeds the bacteria that cause plaque and decay. Bacteria metabolize the sugar, leading to a rapid increase in acid production, which is counterproductive to oral health. Therefore, only sugar-free gum is considered beneficial for plaque defense.
Sugar-free gum often contains sugar alcohols like sorbitol, maltitol, or, most notably, xylitol. Xylitol is particularly effective because it actively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for plaque formation and cavities. S. mutans cannot metabolize xylitol, causing the bacteria to take it up and essentially starve, reducing their overall numbers and acid production.
Xylitol also interferes with the bacteria’s ability to adhere to the tooth surface, the initial step in the formation of plaque biofilm. Studies have shown that habitual xylitol gum chewing can lead to a reduction in plaque accumulation compared to controls and gums containing other polyols like sorbitol. While sorbitol-containing gums contribute to salivary flow and acid neutralization, xylitol offers a specific, direct antimicrobial action. An effective anti-caries dose of xylitol is generally over 5–6 grams per day, often achieved by chewing multiple pieces of gum throughout the day.
Gum’s Place in Your Dental Routine
Chewing gum should be considered a supportive measure in your overall oral hygiene, not a replacement for fundamental practices. Gum cannot mechanically remove the mature plaque biofilm that adheres tightly to the tooth surface. Removing this requires the scrubbing action of a toothbrush and floss. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily remain the only means to physically disrupt and remove plaque.
The most practical time to chew sugar-free gum is immediately following a meal or snack, especially when brushing is not possible. This is when acid production peaks, and the salivary boost is most effective at washing away residual food particles and neutralizing the acids. To maximize the benefits of stimulated saliva flow and active ingredients, it is recommended to chew the gum for about 20 minutes.
Regular use of sugar-free gum, particularly those with xylitol, is an effective way to maintain a healthier oral environment between cleanings. By providing a temporary boost to acid neutralization and offering an antimicrobial effect, it serves as a convenient tool to reduce the risk of decay and plaque buildup. Choosing a gum with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal ensures that the product has met standards for safety and effectiveness.