How could chewing sugarless gum and eating cheese prevent cavities?

1 ANSWERS

1. Brett
   

   Every time you eat, bacteria in your mouth react chemically with the food and introduce an organic acid that can cause tooth decay. By dislodging food, rinsing teeth, and diluting acid, saliva counters this process. The key is to keep it flowing, which is where chewing gum—or at least chewing—comes in. "We showed that the simple mechanical act of chewing stimulates salivary flow," says James Wefel, Ph.D., director of the Dows Institute for Dental Research in Iowa City. As for cheese, its fats may act as a protective barrier for the teeth; it also contains calcium and phosphate, which may discourage decay and strengthen teeth. What this all means to you: Limit between-meal nibbles, thereby reducing the number of acid exposures. Chew sugarless gum after meals. Or do like the French and finish your meal with a few pieces of cheese.

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