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Feb 05, 2025
Chewing gum is a fun activity everyone has enjoyed at some point. The chewy, soft, candy-like substance has an insoluble gum base, added flavours and sweeteners that make it succulent. Children love to chew them because they can be stretched and blown like small balloons from the mouth. Many adults are addicted to them because they act as mouth fresheners. However, many are confused about its impact on teeth because of sugar.
Chewing gums are not to be swallowed and consist of varied ingredients, such as gum, resin, preservatives, sweeteners, synthetic or natural flavourings, vegetable oil, etc. All these are food-grade substances and safe to consume. Still, people have reservations about them. Chewing gum is good for teeth only when it is sugar-free. Let us dive deeper into the pros and cons of sugar-free gum. It can help you make the right decision about this product.
1. What Makes Chewing Gum Good for Teeth?
Sugar-free gum is often recommended by reliable dentists in Hope Island for good oral hygiene and health. Here is why it is considered good for dental wellness.
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Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay
Chewing sugar-free gum that contains xylitol for sweetness can help eliminate bad bacteria from the mouth. Xylitol is birch sugar and a naturally occurring sweetener that reduces the risk of cavities by removing Streptococcus mutans from the mouth. It is made from plant fibre and is sweet but has 40% less calories than sugar. It does not increase blood sugar levels or the volume of bacteria in the mouth. It reduces the impact of acids produced by bacteria to protect tooth enamel from erosion and maintains oral health.
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Boosts Saliva Production
Chewing gum promotes saliva production that keeps the mouth moist and reduces dryness that can lead to dental problems. With more saliva in the mouth teeth stay clean because food debris gets washed away and acids do not damage teeth. Saliva in the mouth effectively remineralises tooth enamel because it contains calcium and phosphate. It reduces bad breath by preventing dry mouth.
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Helps With Teeth Whitening
A lot of people are concerned about the yellowing of teeth because it affects their appearance and self-esteem. Staining and yellowing are common because of excessive consumption of dark-coloured foods and beverages, smoking and poor oral hygiene. Chewing gum can help remove surface staining caused by foods and beverages because of saliva production and certain ingredients like citric acid and titanium dioxide that can help with whitening. However, this is temporary. Visiting an experienced Hope Island dentist for a teeth whitening procedure is better.
2. What Is Chewing Gum Bad for Teeth?
Although chewing sugar-free gum is considered good for oral health, there are certain drawbacks if it becomes a habit. These include:
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Risk of Jaw Pain
Chewing gum almost every day and for long periods can cause jaw pain. It can become an addiction if not kept under check. The pain radiates from the pressure created on the jaws due to continuous forceful chewing. It should not become a habit and should be done in moderation.
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Tooth Cracking or Fracturing
Chewing gum vigorously can be damaging for your teeth as the constant pressure can lead to cracks on the surface. It can also cause fractures that can become breeding grounds for bacteria and cause cavities. Individuals with a history of cavities, fillings, root canal treatments and enamel erosion should avoid chewing gum.
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Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
Another problem associated with excessive consumption of chewing gum is the development of temporomandibular disorder by putting immense pressure on jaw muscles and joints. It can aggravate the condition due to overuse of jaw muscles and stress created in the joint. It can also cause excessive teeth clenching that leads to bruxism. This is why reputed dentists in Hope Island recommend chewing gum occasionally or once in a while.
3. Tips for Chewing Gum
It is vital to understand that some sugar-free gums can also be bad for teeth. According to renowned Hope Island dentists chewing gums that contain food acids can erode tooth enamel and makes the tooth susceptible to damage. Thus, it is vital to check the ingredients when buying gum from the store. Opt for sugar-free gums with remineralising agents, such as CPP-ACP that harden enamel and prevent erosion.
The agent is obtained from milk protein and helps remove bacteria from the mouth. Individuals suffering from jaw pain or TMD should avoid them completely, and they should not be chewed for more than 20 minutes. It is best to chew gum after meals to stimulate the salivary gland and remove food debris and acids. It should not be substituted for brushing, flossing and rinsing. Drinking a lot of water can provide the same benefits as sugar-free gum and is highly recommended by dentists.
Wrapping Up
Chewing gum has its share of pros and cons that must be known to people who are concerned about their dental health. It is best to speak to your dentist about the choosing the right gum, depending on your oral health status.
