Chewing gum against Acid Wear
Many people eat and drink throughout the day without really thinking about what they are actually putting in their mouths. Okay, some people might be more aware of how many calories, fats or carbohydrates a particular product contains, but rarely are they aware of the impact of food on their oral health. Yes, sugar and acid are bad for our teeth, we all know that. In fact, few people know that in addition to sugar, acid is just as damaging to teeth. Anyone who has ever nibbled on a slice of lemon will have heard it said: “Don’t do that, it’s bad for your teeth! But we also need sugars and acids to be able to move, think and live. That sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? But it is not so bad. It’s all in the right approach, only then can sugars and acids boost your health instead of hindering it. How? Find out below.
Neutralise
We all consciously or unconsciously eat or drink products with sugars and acids. They are present in many types of nutrition. Think of fruit juices, soft drinks (especially the sweeteners in them), wine, sports drinks, but also in healthy things like fruit, certain vegetables, yoghurt, milk and bread. Sometimes even in products you least expect. Becoming aware of the fact that sugar and acid are present in many products and that this is harmful to your teeth is a first step. Step two is becoming aware of the fact that you can prevent damage. Not only should you minimise the number of acid attacks per day by eating or drinking less frequently. For your mouth, it is important that it is given time to neutralise the degree of acidity. Neutralisation is important because if you don’t, the acidity in your mouth becomes too high and increases the risk of Acid Wear.
Acid Wear? What exactly is that?
Unlike cavities, Acid Wear is not caused by bacteria. It occurs when acid dissolves the hard surface of the tooth. In the early stages, acid erodes the outer layer of tooth enamel. In more advanced stages, the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel, can become exposed or the acid can even penetrate the tooth’s nerve. Initially, you may not notice much of an erosion. It is only in the longer term that you may experience sensitivity when eating and drinking. The appearance of the teeth may also change. According to dentists, it is a major threat to your teeth and therefore to your overall health. Teeth are the only part of the body that do not heal; lost enamel never grows back. The damage is irreversible. Many people think that you only get Acid Wear if you live an unhealthy life, but the opposite is true: Tooth erosion can also be caused by living a healthy lifestyle, where we often unwittingly consume products that contain too much acid. Imagine drinking a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast and then immediately brushing your teeth. Not a good idea.
Saliva is our natural resource
Of course, our own personal health system provides protection against such negative external influences. Saliva is our natural resource and of great importance to our overall digestive system. Saliva also keeps the mouth moist and comfortable, diluting and neutralising acid. In addition, the enzymes in our saliva are a powerful defence mechanism to fight bacteria. So the quantity and quality of your saliva is essential for your overall health.
Neutralisation by chewing gum
For the condition of your teeth, and your overall health, it is a must to maintain a good saliva level every day to neutralise sugars and acids. Many people today suffer from dry mouth. This can be a side effect of medication, a hormonal cause such as menopause, but also due to intensive sport in combination with breathing through the mouth. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum (with xylitol) is a good remedy for this. This way you stimulate the production of saliva and immediately neutralise the acids in the mouth. And not unimportantly, it provides fresh breath.
Did you know that blue®m also has a special and tasty sugar-free chewing gum in its product range? This high-quality dental chewing gum helps keep your teeth clean and it stimulates saliva production. The perfect choice to complement your daily oral care routine.
Remedies that help neutralise the level of acidity in your mouth
Besides chewing gum, there are a number of other effective remedies that help neutralise the level of acidity in your mouth.
1. Do not eat and drink continuously throughout the day
Limit the number of times you eat and drink to 7 per day. This gives the mouth a chance to restore its natural balance.
2. Drink plenty of water
Drink as much water, tea or milk without sugar as possible. If you drink acidic drinks, add a little water. Or drink a glass of water immediately afterwards. The water is needed to weaken the acid.
3. Rinsing
NEVER brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks or foods, but wait about an hour before brushing. Immediately after eating or drinking, the tooth enamel is soft and can easily be brushed away. Do you still want a fresh taste? Then choose a good mouthwash or oral foam to neutralise your taste and acidity.
Sources: Gum.nl, Gezondheidsplein.nl, Dentalclinics.nl