Dental: gum to clean teeth?

[PurpleBasil]

Anyone else seeen these advertised? They say it's for when you can't (or in my son's case won't) brush your teeth. Chew the gum and clean your teeth.

Is this something that can be used for toddlers who struggle to brush well?

Thanks.

[malamamama]

Well, its not a good idea to use it as a replacement for brushing. However, it does pull food residue off the teeth. And if you use the xylitol gum, it can actually help to kill the bacteria that causes decay.
How old of a toddler???? Can he chew it without swallowing it? My dd was 3 1/2 before she started gum.

[PurpleBasil]

Thanks for responding! He does spit it out, he's a little over 3. I was thinking the same thing with the xylitol. He also likes to chew the Spiffies and spit that out.

Why would gum be a bad idea? Sorry if that sounds stupid, I want to make sure I'm weighing all the risks.