My kids love to chew gum and I’m quite happy to let them chew sugar free gum. We actually use gum to keep their mouths busy so they keep their fingers and other things out of their mouths. (It was a suggestion from one of Zoe’s doctors, and it works as long as we have gum constantly on hand) But there are other benefits to chewing gum that I had actually forgotten about. Chewing gum helps fight cavities……
Chewing gum of any kind increases saliva production, and therefore helps neutralize more acid. But many gums are sweetened with sugar, which of course increases the acid levels, effectively canceling out the positive benefits. Replacing sugar in gum with xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener found in fruits and vegetables that has fewer calories than regular sugar, fixes this problem.
Text and picture taken from http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/20/your-assignment-for-today-chew-gum/
Believe it or not, tooth decay affects approximately half of all second graders and nearly 80 percent of 17-year-olds, but according to a survey by Trident, more than 84 percent of American parents don’t realize this.
Trident’s survey also showed that more than nine in ten (92%) parents believe that cavities in children are preventable; yet getting a child to take care of their teeth can be difficult for 86 percent of parents. To help get the word out about keeping your kids teeth in tip top shape we have some helpful tips below to help keep kids’ mouths happy and healthy!
Keep Mouths Happy and Healthy!
Brush – Remind children to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Eat – Foods such as fruits, vegetables and cheese help build strong healthy teeth and gums. Try chewing a sugar free gum, like Trident, after eating to help fight cavities.
Floss – Children should gently floss once a day to remove food that can get stuck between their teeth.
Avoid – Try to avoid overindulging in sticky and sugary foods. When kids do have a special treat, make sure they brush and floss afterwards.
Routine – Remember to get regular dental check-ups. The more you help kids incorporate healthy oral care habits in their everyday life, the more they will as adults.
And we have a Year’s Supply of Gum!
Enter to Win:
1 year’s supply of Trident Gum
To Enter:
Tell me what your favorite flavor of Trident is
Extra Entries:
This giveaway ends December 11th. Please see the giveaway rules
Samples received.