Bubble gum and fun flavored gum are all the rage in elementary school children, but as many of us get older, we transition to other flavors of chewing gum, not only for fun but for fresher breath. Chewing gum is a common practice for having fresher breath or achieving a cleaner mouth, especially after a meal.
Chewing gum is not all created equal, though, so dentists often don’t recommend chewing gum to solve all problems. Bubble gum or certain flavors may cause further oral health problems for patients who use them frequently. In this blog, we will look at the positives and negatives of gum and whether you should avoid it for prolonged oral health.
Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
Dentists may often tell patients to choose sugar-free gum if they want to continue their chewing gum habits. Sugar-free gum can help limit cavities from frequent sugar intake while still helping the mouth produce more saliva, keeping teeth free of harmful bacteria. Some research has shown that the act of chewing sugar-free gum increases the saliva flow and neutralizes acid in your mouth, leading to reduced risk of cavities or gum issues.
Positive Impacts Of Chewing Gum
While many people assume that all gum is bad for you, especially when you are chewing it consistently, there are actually benefits to chewing gum if you choose the right type. Sugar-free gum won’t cause additional cavities, and chewing it causes extra saliva production, which will help wash away food particles and bacteria.
The chewing action can also help dislodge plaque or food particles that may have gotten stuck in the grooves of your teeth. Spaces between your teeth where toothbrushes or floss may miss, chewing gum could cause enough movement to dislodge particles that could lead to cavities.
Negative Impacts Of Chewing Gum
There are negative consequences that come from chewing gum consistently, especially if you are using a gum that has sugar, artificial flavors, or chemical sweeteners. Gum can coat all of your teeth with a film that can slowly wear down the enamel of your teeth, leading to tooth decay.
Frequent chewing can lead to jaw deterioration or TMJ disorders. Overusing these jaw muscles can cause intense pain and discomfort, especially when sleeping, talking, or eating. Chewing gum may not always lead to jaw pain or disorders, but those who spend years chewing gum could experience deterioration of the muscles or joints.
Choose An Option With Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that stops the growth of streptococcus, just one of the many things that cause cavities. These gum options can help neutralize this bacteria, which means it can’t attach to your teeth. The more frequently you use xylitol, the fewer cavity-causing bacteria will form in your mouth.
Don’t Stop Other Oral Hygiene Practices
The last thing you should do is use chewing gum in place of other hygiene practices. Brushing and flossing are the best ways to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth and avoid decay. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is recommended by dentists to keep your teeth healthy. Even if you choose a sugar-free gum, chewing gum should not replace your normal oral hygiene habits.
Getting frequent dental cleanings is also needed to prevent oral decay. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and catch potential problems before they progress further. Dentists can help remove built-up plaque and food particles that can’t be removed with brushing.
Dental Recommendations From Avenues Dentistry
Avenues Dentistry is here to enhance the brilliance and function of your smile with regular dental cleanings and cosmetic procedures. Our dentists can help answer any of your pressing questions about the longevity and health of your teeth. We are with you every step of the way. If you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort while chewing, make sure to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Avenues Dentistry offers general dentistry, cleanings, family dentistry, implants, root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and more. Our Salt Lake City dental office is proud to work with so many members of our community to help them love their smile. Teeth sensitivity and decay can diminish your confidence, so working with a skilled dentist can help boost your daily life in more ways than one. Schedule an appointment with us today!
