November 14th, 2013
The History of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has a long and fascinating history. For 5,000 years humans have enjoyed chewing on bark tar, resin from the mastic tree and other plants and grasses. American Indians made a form of gum from spruce tree sap. But for most of our history, we have used chicle, a natural gum made from trees in a similar way that natural rubber is produced. Political reform in Guatemala during the 1950’s meant that big chewing gum companies like Wrigley no longer had access to chicle, so by the mid 1960’s most gum was produced from a butadiene-based synthetic rubber.
Will swallowed gum harm me?
Gum made from synthetic rubber may not sound too appetizing, however gum is generally harmless to your body. Have you ever heard people claim that swallowed gum will stay in your stomach for “seven years” or that it will “stick to your lungs”? While it is usually a good idea to simply spit out used gum, only a very large quantity of gum or gum that is swallowed with food or foreign objects poses any risk to blocking your intestinal tract. Your teeth, however, may be another story.
Gum and your teeth.
Because many types of gum contain sugar as a primary ingredient, frequent gum use can be harmful to your teeth. Sugar feeds the bacteria that cause plaque, which in turn hammers away at the enamel on your teeth. A lot of sugary gum means that bacteria are getting a lot of food to grow which can lead to a lot more plaque. Additionally, while many people chew gum for fresh breath, the end result of extra bacteria (caused by the extra sugar) is even more bad breath.
What about sugar-free gum?
Studies have shown that sugar-free chewing gum is actually good for your teeth. When you chew, saliva is produced that helps to wash away food particles. In fact, saliva is your body’s first natural defense against the bacteria in your mouth. Further, some sugar free gum is made with a natural sugar substitute called xylitol that has been shown to reduce cavities and protect teeth. Even with xylitol, however, chewing gum can never replace brushing and flossing. Sugar-free gum can be a good alternative for people who love to chew gum but also want to protect their teeth.
October 31st, 2013
Not all candy is created equal in terms of its potential damage to your teeth. The sugar in candy feeds the bacteria that cause plaque. So the amount of sugar a candy contains along with the length of time it sits on teeth often determines how destructive it is. This infographic looks at several options, from the best to the worst.
October 17th, 2013
According to the American Dental Association, nearly 20% of Americans never floss. Many people invariably view flossing as optional which causes it to become one of the most frequently neglected parts of any oral care routine. But as much of a plaque fighter that your toothbrush is, it simply cannot reach all the tight spots between your teeth. Only floss is adept at getting to all the areas where bacteria hide. Here are a few ideas for those of us who find it difficult to floss:
Learn how to floss.
Flossing can be confusing for those who don’t do it regularly. The good news is that it’s not hard to learn. The American Dental Association’s website has very good instructions on how to floss and has even put together a one page .pdf to teach you how! You can download it here.
If you find flossing difficult, try floss holders.
Whether from large fingers or a lack of dexterity, some people simply have difficulty with the mechanics of flossing even after learning to do it the right way. Floss holders have become increasingly popular and are a great alternative for anyone who might find flossing difficult. Plus, holders made specifically for smaller mouths are great for children or adults helping with their child's daily oral care.
Consider waxed floss.
Occasionally floss can become frayed, shredded or broken. This is often caused by teeth that are very close together. You might consider using waxed floss or floss made from polytetrafluoroethylene, a substance that is extremely slick. Shredded floss can also be caused by teeth that are broken or have cavities. If this is the case, don’t put off your next appointment!
Make flossing a priority.
Instead of making flossing a “once-in-a-while” task, consider establishing a routine of flossing. This will help you get in the habit of truly taking care of your teeth and gums.
It’s important to understand that flossing is just as important as brushing, that it isn’t optional and that it’s not too late to develop a healthy habit.
October 3rd, 2013
What if you want to hand out tooth friendly Halloween treats but don’t want to get on the “trick” list? We believe that a candy free Halloween can be even more fun than one coated in sugar. Here are 5 ideas to help you be the most popular house on the street while saving tiny teeth from cavities one trick-or-treater at a time.
Give a “prize” instead of a treat.
Retailers that sell party favors and supplies are a great place to find prizes that you can hand out to kids. These small trinkets last long after the candy has been eaten and will be remembered much longer as well.
Help kids get creative with clay!
Multi-packs of mini play dough containers are available to purchase or you can even make your own. You could put small batches of homemade play dough in plastic baggies with a quick note explaining that the dough is for play and not food.
Keep kids safe with glow sticks!
Glow sticks are available at really low prices at craft and discount stores. Kids love glow sticks (and so do we!)
Give fun Halloween stickers.
Who doesn’t love a cool sticker? If you have a variety, you can let kids choose their own design that they can then save for later or wear while trick-or-treating.
Get awesome ideas on Pinterest.
A quick search on Pinterest reveals a TON of ideas for a candy free Halloween. You can find craft ideas, inexpensive gifts and handouts that will make every child who comes to your door smile. While your at it, check out our Pinterest boards for even more dental health ideas!
Have more ideas? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below!
