The Top Ways Kaigum Contributes to Your Health
The following benefits have been found through research on chewing 100% xylitol sweetened, sugar free chewing gum, chewed after meals
Helps protect your teeth after eating and drinking
Chewing sugar-free gum, especially after eating and drinking, supports good oral health by stimulating saliva production to neutralize harmful acids, wash away food particles, and support the tooth enamel minerals [1] [2]
Research indicates that chewing gum can enhance saliva production by up to 10-12 times, further promoting oral health [3]. Dental organisations like the American Dental Association and the Oral Health Foundation recommend sugar-free gum as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, as studies show it can help reduce dental decay risk [4].
Reduces plaque and bad bacteria in the mouth, while maintaining good bacteria
Xylitol chewing gum has been found to be a powerful tool in the fight against bad bacteria in the mouth. When you chew xylitol gum, the sweetener works to disrupt the growth of harmful bacteria, preventing them from forming plaque and causing cavities [8] [9]. By chewing xylitol gum regularly, you can help to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth.
In fact, one study found that chewing xylitol-sweetened gum reduced the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth by up to 75% [10].
HOW?
Xylitol is a natural antibacterial agent that starves the harmful bacteria in your mouth of the nutrients they need to survive. This makes it much more difficult for them to multiply and wreak havoc on your oral health.
Xylitol reduces the levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in plaque and saliva by disrupting their energy production processes, leading to futile energy cycle and cell death. It reduces the adhesion of these microorganisms to the teeth surface and also reduces their acid production potential [11]
Xylitol has also been found to reduce the formation of biofilm, which is a primary factor contributing to tooth decay, by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans [12].
The research showed that to get the benefit the gum needs to be in the mouth for 10 -15 minutes, and performed a minimum of 3 times a day (5-7 grams of xylitol in total per day) [13].
Neutralizes acids responsible for tooth decay
By reducing the acidity in the mouth it reduces the effect of demineralization (break down) of tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay and cavities. As shown in clinical trials, people who chew sugarless gum after eating meals and drinking certain beverages have fewer cavities and tooth decay [1].
The oral health foundation has stated that plaque starts to build up 30 minutes after brushing teeth and recommends chewing gum as a way to maintain a healthy ph level in the mouth [2] (as per the diagram)
HOW?
Chewing gum increases saliva flow by 10-12 times by stimulating the saliva glands [3]. By chewing gum after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and clear enamel-destroying acids that are produced when food is broken down by oral bacteria. Chewing gum increases salivary flow and volume by mechanical action and stimulation of oral taste receptors [4].
One study also found that by frequently chewing gum is associated with an increase saliva flow when gum isn't chewed, reducing dental caries overall [5].
Helps reduce tooth demineralization while maintaining essential mineralization
Tooth enamel is essential because its primary function is to protect the teeth from decay. Enamel is the hardest substance produced by the body and is even harder than titanium.
Tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of the teeth, cannot regenerate itself once it is damaged. Therefore, remineralization is crucial to restore the minerals lost due to demineralization, preventing tooth decay and maintaining the strength of the teeth.
HOW?
Saliva acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which are critical in enamel’s remineralization [6] [7]. These minerals work together to form a compound called hydroxyapatite, which is a building block of your teeth and provides strength. Chewing gum increases saliva flow by 10-12 times by stimulating the saliva glands [3], therefore supporting the remineralization process - highly mineralised enamel is very resistant to tooth decay.
Induces a lower blood glucose rise vs sugar containing gum
Chewing xylitol gum will not break a fast, as it contains minimal calories and does not stimulate an insulin response [3] [4] [5].
HOW?
- Minimal calories: Xylitol gum contains minimal calories, typically around 2-5 calories per piece. This small caloric intake is unlikely to disrupt a fast for most people.
- Low insulin response: Xylitol has a low glycemic index (GI) of 7, whereas regular sugar's is 60–70 which means it does not significantly impact blood sugar levels or stimulate an insulin response.
Therefore, consuming xylitol gum during a fasted state is unlikely to break the fast, as it does not trigger a significant insulin response.