We’ve all been there — reaching for a stick of gum to freshen our breath after finishing a meal or before meeting a friend. According to the commercials we see all the time on TV, chewing gum doesn’t just freshen your breath; it also comes with a myriad of oral health benefits. But are these claims true, or are they myths designed to sell us more gum?
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the truth about chewing gum and discover whether or not it’s actually beneficial for your oral health.
Understanding the Basics
Chewing gum, in its various forms, has been around since the Neolithic period. Ancient people all over the world, from the Mayans to the Ancient Greeks, chewed gum made from tar, tree resin, plants, and grasses. Some of these substances even had antiseptic or medicinal properties, providing oral health benefits.
Today, we have endless options, from flavor to ingredients to purported oral health advantages. However, none of these factors matter as much as sugar content. While chewing sugar-free gum can be a beneficial supplement to your oral care routine, gum that contains sugar may do more harm than good.
Oral Health Benefits of Chewing Gum
The only chewing gum products that have earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance are sugar-free. The benefits of chewing sugar-free gum include:
Stimulates Saliva Production
Saliva is the unsung hero of oral health, helping to wash away food particles that get trapped in all the nooks and crannies of your mouth after eating. It also helps neutralize acids that wear away teeth enamel. Without sufficient saliva production, you may experience cavities, sensitivity, tooth decay, plaque buildup, and tartar.
Chewing gum can alleviate the destructive effects of dry mouth by stimulating saliva production. In fact, studies show that chewing unsweetened, unflavored chewing gum can increase salivary flow by 10 to 12 times its base rate. Saliva production is even further stimulated by chewing flavored gum.
Reduces Plaque and Tartar
Increasing salivary flow is not the only way chewing gum can reduce plaque and tartar formation. Many types of gum include xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol found in plants that’s often used as a sugar substitute due to its sweet taste.
Xylitol is known to reduce harmful oral bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, which is a major offender when it comes to plaque formation. It may also increase calcium absorption, strengthening your teeth.
Improves Breath
Nobody likes being around someone with bad breath. Halitosis can occur due to a variety of factors, most of which are related to bacterial growth in the mouth. Causes may include the breakdown of food particles in the mouth, poor dental hygiene, and dry mouth.
Fortunately, chewing gum can be a shield against bad breath, and not just because of its minty flavor. By stimulating saliva production and reducing plaque and tartar buildup, it contributes to a healthier mouth environment, helping to keep breath nice and fresh.
Potential Downsides of Chewing Gum
However, chewing gum comes with some potential negative effects, as well. These downsides include:
Sugar Content
Chewing gum that contains sugar often does more harm than good. Oral bacteria feed on sugar, producing acids that cause cavities and tooth decay. To protect your teeth from damage, ensure your gum is sugar-free.
Jaw Problems
While an occasional stick of gum is unlikely to cause issues, excessive chewing can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The repetitive motions of chewing gum can increase inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort. It can also tighten your facial muscles, which can cause headaches and migraines.
Additionally, chewing gum makes a habit of clenching your jaw, which can lead you to subconsciously grind your teeth, a condition known as bruxism.
Best Practices
To maximize the benefits of chewing gum, choose sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and chew gum in moderation. If you’re prone to TMJ pain, headaches, or tooth grinding, chewing gum may not be the best option for you. Talk to your dentist for personalized recommendations and advice.
It’s also important to note that chewing gum is not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. It’s meant to supplement these habits, not replace them.
Dental Care That Fits Your Lifestyle
At Eric Felt DDS, we are committed to providing individualized dental care that fits your unique lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference enhanced oral health can make in your quality of life.