Is chewing gum good for your teeth?

Not all of us appreciate chewing gum, especially when you have to watch or listen to someone's constantly rotating jaw.

But did you know the chewing habit can be good for your teeth if you choose the right sort of gum?

Chewing of any kind increases the production of saliva, which protects your teeth by keeping them clean and by helping to strengthen the enamel, says Laurence Walsh from the University of Queensland School of Dentistry.

However, chewing regular gum that contains sugar offsets that advantage because the sugar increases your risk of cavities.

Sugar-free gum, on the other hand, can be a great choice and can actually benefit your teeth, as long as you choose the right type, says Professor Walsh.

"There is now very good evidence that [certain] sugar-free gum has positive benefits on dental health, above and beyond other measures such as using fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water," he says.

The key is to avoid citrus flavours like orange, lemon or lime as these contain acids that damage your teeth in other ways.

Other flavours of sugar-free gum, such as mint, are a great choice, though.

Read more at ABC