If you want to take an extra step to help prevent cavities, chewing sugarless gum may be just what the dentist ordered.

The American Dental Association offers this advice:

• Choose sugarless gum to help boost saliva production and wash away bacteria.
• Increased saliva can raise tooth exposure to calcium and phosphate, both of which strengthen tooth enamel.
• Chew the gum for about 20 minutes after a meal.
• Chewing gum, however, is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Source: HealthDay