I figure the slight increase in salivary flow may have some minor beneficial
effects, but if you don't like chewing gum, don't bother. You'd probably get
more benefit from drinking a bottle of water and swishing the water around
before swallowing.

T

Also you can get a "The Tongue Cleaner" a plastic tongue scraper, to get the
plaque off your tongue.  There is usually a lot there and its bad practice to
use your toothbrush on your tongue.
Another problem which could arise from too much gum  chewing  is jaw trouble.
If you are put  of by the idea of hydrogen peroxide, there are mouthwashs
based on it which you may like, do a google search of hydrogen peroxide
mouthwash and choose one.
Also be aware any mouthwashes containing alcohol could metabolise to sugars.
I too have gum disease, unknown cause but my teeth are too close together and
I was a late convert to flossing.  I now floss in the morning and sometimes
after lunch, I find if I have bread type food at lunch there is a lot of
debris.  It makes a big difference if your teeth are close together because
brushing does not then remove debris from between teeth, and thats where the
problem starts. Also be aware of the position of your teeth in your mouth, a
lot of people don't really know exactly where they are. Have a good look
while you are brushing and make sure you go far enough back and adjust for
any strange angles. For example I found my right hand side lower teeth lean
inwards slightly. I had not been aware of this until recently, so I have
adjusted my brushing pattern.
I am on long term warfarin therapy and immunosuppressant drugs which I
believe may be contributing. Both slow up healing. Let us know if you have
any more ideas.