There many different ways to help keep your child's teeth free of decay. However, some measures are difficult to perform away from home. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to help your protect your child's dental health is the use of gum. 

Sugarless gum can offer multiple oral health benefits. Here are a few:

Lessening of Oral Bacterial Counts

The chief culprits of tooth decay are often oral bacteria. As they feed on the carbohydrates in your child's mouth, they release acid that demineralizes tooth enamel to cause decay. Thus, lessening oral bacterial counts can have a positive impact on dental health.

Xylitol

Gum that is sweetened with xylitol is naturally anti-bacterial. Xylitol, which is a natural sweetener, kills bacteria as your child chews. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is also anti-microbial, so selecting cinnamon-flavored gum may also help. Studies show that cinnamon-flavored gum effectively kills the oral bacteria that are associated with bad breath.

Saliva Stimulation

A dry mouth can contribute to oral decay. The acid that dissolves tooth enamel becomes more concentrated when there is not enough saliva to dilute it or wash it away. 

Saliva in a healthy body normally has a pH of around 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. Pure water, which is considered neutral, has a pH of 7.0. Acidic substances have a pH that is less than 7.0, and alkaline solutions have a pH that is greater than 7.0.

When an alkaline substance is mixed with an acidic medium, some of the acid is neutralized. Thus, copious amounts of saliva can help neutralize the tooth-decaying acid in your child's mouth.

As your child chews gum, his or her salivary glands are stimulated to produce more saliva. 

Mechanical Removal of Food Particles

The sticky nature of gum makes it suitable to pull plaque, food particles and bacteria from the surface of your child's teeth. Thus, gum can be used to help clean your child's teeth after meals and snacks, especially when you are away from home. The gum can be discarded after a few minutes of chewing.

There are multiple ways to help protect and improve your child's dental health. Regular brushing and flossing should never be neglected. However, additional measures can be taken to support traditional hygienic efforts. To learn more ways to help preserve your little one's oral health, consult a dentist in your area. He or she will be able to assess the state of your child's teeth and gums and provide professional recommendations for maintenance and improvement.