Chewing Gum with Xylitol
The human mouth is host to many bacteria. The one that is primarily responsible for cavities is called streptococcus mutans (it’s related to the bacteria that causes strep throat). When the bacteria encounters sugar, acids are produced. Saliva neutralizes acid, so teeth can handle some exposure. But large amounts of sugar overwhelm saliva. Prolonged exposure to that acid will damage the protective enamel on teeth and eventually cause cavities….The problem is fixed by replacing sugar in gum with xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener found in fruits and vegetables that has fewer calories than regular sugar.