5 Surprising Benefits of Sugar-Free Gum for Oral Health

Sugar-free Gum for Oral Health: Everything You Should Know

Chewing gum, dating back to the ancient Maya, is a billion-dollar industry. It is estimated that 374 billion pieces of chewing gum are sold worldwide every year. However, traditional chewing gum can have adverse effects on teeth and general health, due to the increased daily sugar intake.

Sugar-free chewing gums, the only product considered for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, have been shown to offer oral health benefits. As we delve into the science behind sugarless gum and its impact on oral health, we uncover the reasons behind its growing popularity and offer 5 benefits for your oral health.

The Science Behind Sugar-Free Gum and Oral Health

Excluding sugar from chewing gum aligns with the principles of ADA and WHO. The World Health Organisation suggests limiting sugar intake to 10% or less of energy intake for optimal oral health, while the ADA states that chewing sugarless gum may – when added to a regular home oral care routine of twice daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and daily cleaning between teeth – contribute to reducing caries risk.

A considerable amount of scientific articles back the benefits of sugar-free chewing gum. A systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials concludes that sugar-free sweetened with polyols such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, or maltitol, are not a substrate for oral bacteria to use as an energy source, meaning that they reduce cavity risk. Other studies have been done on the effects of sugar-free gum on saliva production. The physical action of chewing as well as the flavors have been shown to increase saliva production.

Dental erosion stems from the acidic substances present in our diets, including citrus fruits, fruit juices, and carbonated beverages. These acids erode the enamel that protects our teeth, stripping away the essential minerals that compose the enamel. Fortunately, chewing sugar-free gum can mitigate this acidic onslaught by boosting saliva production.

Saliva plays a crucial role in restoring the minerals lost from the enamel, typically taking about an hour to replenish these essential components. Engaging in a 20-minute session of chewing sugar-free gum after consuming food or drinks can expedite saliva flow, thereby accelerating the mineral replacement process.

5 Key Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum and dental health seem to be intertwined. Here are some of the ways sugar-free gum can benefit oral health:

1. Cavity prevention

Besides the fact that the sugar in sugar-free gums is non-cariogenic, chewing gum in itself can reduce cavity risk. When you chew gum, your mouth produces more saliva. Saliva neutralizes the acids in your mouth that are responsible for cavities and erosion, as well as washes away food particles.

2. Strengthening enamel

Sugar-free gums can stimulate saliva which is rich in calcium. It can contain ingredients like xylitol or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) that help remineralize and strengthen tooth enamel.

3. Freshening breath

The process of chewing gum can wash away food particles and bacteria, aiding in the reduction and control of bad breath.

4. Reducing dry mouth

Sugar-free gum can improve dry mouth symptoms by stimulating saliva production. Saliva helps keep the mouth moist and washes away food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath and cavities.

5. Assisting smoking cessation

Chewing sugar-free gum can be a helpful tool for those trying to quit smoking as it can reduce cravings and the oral fixation that often accompanies smoking.

Chewing Gum vs Oral Hygiene Practices

Brushing twice a day and flossing every day is the gold standard of at-home oral care. The process of brushing and flossing physically removes food particles, bacteria, and plaque. In addition, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash kill and wash away bacteria, preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health.

Sugar-free chewing gum, on the other hand, is a good option to remove bacteria and food particles between meals; and it increases saliva flow. However, even though sugarless chewing gum may be a good addition to your oral health, it should not substitute brushing and flossing.

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Sugar-Free Gum

When looking for chewing gum, it’s important to avoid certain types of sugars that can cause cavities and increase daily sugar intake and calories. Gums containing sugars such as aspartame, sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol, are safe because these ingredients, even though sweet, are not cariogenic.

To help make a decision, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It indicates that the product is safe and effective when used as directed and meets the claims made on the product’s label.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While sugar-free gums are generally considered safe, excessive chewing can have side effects. Chewing for a longer duration can increase temporomandibular diseases. According to a study, the participant group experienced more jaw clicking and pain compared to the group who didn’t chew gum. Also, acidic flavors will wear down the enamel if used for long periods of time.

In some cases, chewing gum can cause gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Preventing tooth decay and improving oral health requires good daily habits; chewing sugar-free gum before meals seems to be a convenient and affordable choice in the right direction. It can increase saliva production and remineralize the enamel while masking bad breath.

Overall, chewing sugar-free gum is a convenient and enjoyable way to promote oral health. However, it’s important to choose sugar-free gum, as the type containing sugar can contribute to cavities and other oral health issues.