Gum-Chewing Tips for Healthy Teeth: Insights from a Seasoned Dentist

Gum-Chewing Tips for Healthy Teeth: Insights from a Seasoned Dentist

Enjoying gum without compromising your dental health is possible, according to Dr. Ellie Phillis, a Texas-based dentist with four decades of experience. In a recent TikTok video titled "How to enjoy gum in a healthy way," Dr. Phillis shared valuable tips to savor this addictive habit without causing damage to your teeth.

Dr. Ellie started by emphasizing the importance of opting for sugarless gum and steering clear of sorbitol. She recommended choosing 100% xylitol gum instead, highlighting its hygroscopic property that stimulates saliva production, aiding in mineralizing teeth and promoting gum healing. Mineralization is crucial for repairing tooth enamel, and the dentist suggested using fluoride mouthwashes and toothpaste to strengthen enamel.

To make the advice more accessible, Dr. Ellie provided practical tips for choosing the right gum. She suggested looking for xylitol gum without glycerin, as glycerin might interfere with the mineralization process. Additionally, she answered a commonly asked question about how long to chew xylitol gum, recommending enjoying it for the first two to 15 minutes and then discarding it appropriately.

Explaining the science behind xylitol gum, Dr. Ellie highlighted its hygroscopic property, which pulls saliva into the mouth. Chewing for the first two to five minutes stimulates saliva flow, benefiting teeth and gum health. However, she cautioned against extended chewing (beyond 15 minutes), as it changes the composition of saliva, potentially affecting gastric health.

Tik tok @drellie Phillips

Dr. Ellie's informative video garnered over 13,000 views, with followers expressing gratitude for her insights. Many viewers shared their experiences with xylitol gum and its positive impact on teeth whiteness. Dr. Ellie addressed additional questions from her audience, including the use of oral probiotics, suggesting them only as a last resort.

The dentist's emphasis on 100% xylitol gum aligns with recommendations from other dental professionals. Dr. Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist and co-founder of Impress in Barcelona, also praised xylitol as a natural sweetener, calling it the "best one." Xylitol gum, as highlighted in the Journal of Natural Science, not only serves as a natural sweetener but also prevents harmful bacteria growth, reducing the risk of cavities.

Dr. Ellie's TikTok account offers a wealth of dental insights beyond gum-chewing tips, covering topics such as tooth sensitivity, plaque buildup, and more. Followers appreciate her practical and science-backed advice for maintaining optimal oral health.