Yes, they are a good thing- but don’t be fooled into thinking that diet co*ke for example, is a healthy alternative- that stuff has a mix of other acids and nasties that will simply cause the erosion of your teeth, instead of dental caries; that’s still not the sort of result we are looking for.
Our sweet heroes are Xylitol and Sorbitol; our main alternatives when it comes to non- sugar sweetners. These are the ones commonly found in sugar free chewing gum. They are non-cariogenic- meaning they won’t cause caries and in fact there is some evidence to suggest that they can actually help prevent it by limiting the growth of acid-producing bacteria. They can cause laxative problems if you intake too much- so take it easy. Best to ‘ween’ yourself off the sweet stuff a little, using these ‘heroes’ and then get yourself onto foods referred to as low GI, as these will provide a more sustained energy release. Sugars aren’t just for sweetness though- they add to the bulk, texture and life (acting as a preservative) to our food and drink.
Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad?
The answer is… it depends.
Chewing a sugar free gum like Wigleys Extra Professional White (my favourite) after a meal or snack is in my opinion, a good thing. The chewing motion stimulates the secretion of saliva which helps to neutralize any acid in your mouth. In my experience, it also helps collect bits of food particles. I personally nearly always chew gum for a few minutes after eating and I always have some in my pocket. I don’t tend to chew it for hours on end though- just for a few minutes to freshen my breath, or after I’ve eaten.
