Is Chewing Gum Bad For Your Teeth? (2 Important Benefits)

Is Chewing Gum Bad For Your Teeth?: A Complete Guide

Chewing gum is an activity that many people enjoy, but have you ever wondered what the impact is on your dental health? In this article, we will cover several aspects related to chewing gum and its relationship to oral health, including dentists’ perspectives, the effects on tooth enamel, and much more.

Impact of Chewing Gum on Dental Health

Benefits of sugar-free gum

Chewing sugarless gum has several benefits for oral health. Studies suggest that it can help reduce dental plaque and cavities by stimulating saliva production. Xylitol, a sweetener commonly used in sugar-free gum, has also shown benefits in preventing tooth decay.

The dentist’s perspective

Is chewing gum bad for your teeth? From the dentist’s perspective, chewing sugarless gum is generally acceptable and can be considered part of good oral hygiene, as long as it does not replace conventional practices such as brushing and flossing. Sugared gum, however, is a very different matter, and most dentists advise against it.

Chewing Gum and Tooth Decay

The risk of tooth decay

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to chewing gum is the risk of tooth decay. Chewing gum that contains sugar can contribute to the formation of cavities by providing a breeding ground for bacteria.

How to avoid it?

The key is to choose sugar-free gum that contains xylitol. This sweetener is not only safe for your teeth, but it also has antibacterial properties that help fight tooth decay.

Oral Hygiene and Chewing Gum

Basic oral hygiene

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene. Although chewing gum can help clean teeth to some extent by stimulating saliva, it should not be considered a substitute for these practices.

Complement with gum

Chewing gum can be a good addition to your oral hygiene routine, especially if you opt for sugar-free gum with xylitol. These gums can help clean teeth and gums between meals, but should not replace regular oral hygiene.

Benefits of Sugar-free Gum

Saliva and cavity prevention

Chewing sugarless gum can stimulate saliva flow by 10-12%, which is beneficial for cleaning the mouth and neutralizing cavity-causing acids (ADA, 2021). The increase in saliva production can also help neutralize acids in the mouth, wash away food particles, and strengthen tooth enamel thanks to the minerals it contains.

Xylitol and additional benefits

Xylitol is a sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum and has additional benefits for dental health. Not only is it safe for your teeth, but it also has antibacterial properties that help fight tooth decay.

Chewing Gum and Enamel Erosion

Short term effects

In the short term, chewing gum (especially sugarless) does not appear to have a significant negative impact on tooth enamel erosion. In fact, as mentioned above, it can help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, which is beneficial for enamel.

Long-term effects

However, few long-term studies evaluate the impact of chewing gum on tooth enamel erosion. Additionally, constantly chewing gum can lead to temporomandibular joint problems, which could impact the alignment of your teeth and cause muscle pain.

The Best and Worst Gums for Your Teeth

The best chewing gum

If you decide to chew gum, opt for sugar-free options. Look for gum that contains xylitol, as this sweetener has been shown to be beneficial for oral health. These are the most recommended by dentists to complement good oral hygiene.

The worst chewing gum

On the other hand, gums with sugar or containing fruit acids can be harmful to your teeth. These gums can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, so it’s best to avoid them if you’re concerned about the health of your teeth.

Chewing Gum and Jaw Health

Temporomandibular joint problems

Is chewing gum bad for your teeth? Chewing gum excessively can lead to problems in the temporomandibular joint, causing pain and other jaw problems. This is something to keep in mind if you are an avid gum chewer.

Tips to minimize risks

To minimize the risk of jaw problems, try to chew gum only occasionally and avoid chewing gum for long periods of time. You can also alternate sides to distribute the effort more evenly.

Oral Care While Chewing Gum

Ideal frequency and tips

As for frequency, try not to chew gum all day. Doing it occasionally, especially after meals, can be beneficial. But remember, gum is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Use gum as a complement, not as a substitute.

Select the correct gum

Always opt for gum recommended by dental associations or that contains xylitol. They are the ones most likely to benefit your dental health, while gums with sugar or fruit acids are the ones you should avoid.

Benefits of Xylitol Gum

Cavity prevention

Xylitol is a sweetener that has antibacterial properties that can help fight tooth decay. In addition, being a safe sweetener for teeth, it does not contribute to enamel erosion.

General oral health

Xylitol gum can also help combat bad breath and is a good addition to your overall oral hygiene regimen. Some studies even suggest that xylitol may have a positive effect on overall oral health, although more research is needed to confirm this.

We have also a comprehensive guide about toothpaste with xylitol. In this article, we will explore how toothpaste with xylitol has become a popular and effective option for maintaining oral health and preventing cavities.

Conclusion

Chewing gum can have both positive and negative effects on oral health, depending upon how and what type of gum you chew. Opt for sugar-free gum with xylitol and use this activity as a complement to your regular oral hygiene regimen for maximum benefits.