Chew Your Way to Healthy Teeth

15 June 2005

Chew Your Way to Healthy Teeth

Sugarfree gum recognised as a valuable step in the dental health routine

15 June 2005 - It’s refreshing, it’s fun and it’s good for your teeth – so why not include it in your dental health routine? Chewing sugarfree gum plays a valuable role in maintaining the health of your teeth, as recognised by the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA).

According to the Minister of Health’s ‘Implementing the New Zealand Strategy 2004” report, all New Zealanders experience diseases of the teeth and gums at some stage in their lives. A lack of dental hygiene can cause ‘pain and discomfort and can often lead to general health problems, poor nutrition and a loss of self esteem’1.

“Brushing, flossing and rinsing are of course the first essential steps to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Chewing sugarfree gum comes into the equation by stimulating saliva, which neutralises plaque acid that can build up on your teeth after eating or drinking,” said Dr David Crum, Executive Director of the NZDA.

Studies have proven that chewing Extra sugarfree gum for approximately 20 minutes after eating and/or drinking can provide significant benefits to dental health by stimulating saliva2.

Saliva is the body's own natural protection for your mouth and teeth and is the source of the same types of calcium and phosphate compounds that occur naturally in the teeth. When saliva is stimulated by chewing, it has a much greater concentration of the minerals that help maintain healthy teeth.

Chewing sugarfree gum is therefore a great way to help protect your teeth when you’re on the go. The best times to chew sugarfree gum is after meals, snacks and drinks, when plaque acid from eating and/or drinking builds up on teeth.

“The health benefits of chewing sugarfree gum have been well documented, and the convenience and portability of chewing gum really makes it your best friend between brushing – while there is no substitute for brushing, chewing sugarfree gum is a great way to take care of your teeth when you are unable to brush,” said Richard Dodds, Managing Director of The Wrigley Company, New Zealand.

Extra is New Zealand’s favourite sugarfree gum and is widely available in a range of flavours to suit all preferences including Spearmint, Peppermint, Sweet Mint, Peach, as well as Extra for Kids, Extra White Peppermint and White Fruit, and Extra Professional. Extra Drops are also available in refreshing Orange, Wild Berry, Lemon and Wild Mint.

ENDS

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