Can Chewing Gum Help Your Teeth?

The debate is as old as time, or at least as old as dental care.  Gum chewers and non-chewers alike have been asking, ‘Should we chew gum?’ for centuries, though ancient gums did not resemble our regular chewing gum we know today. They have since evolved from a simple tree sap or gum to the rubbery substance we know today, with some even designed as the healthiest chewing gum for your teeth. the process of active chewing gum manufacturing has also evolved over time. Each brand varies in recipe, but all gums have a combination of gums, resins, fillers, and softeners and vary drastically with added flavorings and sweeteners. Some people prefer chewing gum without sorbitol due to personal taste or digestive concerns. Some gums, known as hard chewing gums, may pose a risk of tooth damage.  Though the ingredients are entirely food grade materials, is it safe to chew?  Since taking care of your teeth is so essential, you want to develop good healthy dental habits.  But should chewing gum be one of them, considering the benefits of chewing gum and its potential drawbacks?

Effects of Chewing Gum on Your Teeth

Chewing gum advantages include stress relief, boost memory, and support digestive health among the advantages of chewing gum, in addition to helping to manage chronic stress but if you’re wondering how to stop chewing gum, consider replacing it with mints, gummy candies, or hard candies. Some folks believe it is a weight loss aid, wonder what happens if you swallow gum, or see it as a help to quit smoking.  But when it comes to oral health, chewing gum is a mixed bag, especially if you have a habit of biting your gums. Chewing gum for cleaning teeth can be both good and bad for your teeth.  It depends on the type of gum chewed.  Regular sugary gum can actually harm your teeth.  The sugar used as a sweetener actually will feed bacteria in your mouth which in turn, can damage your teeth. However, choosing sugar-free chewing gum, especially those sweetened with Xylitol, can not only freshen your breath but may also improve your oral health.

Sugar Free Gum Benefits

Though any gum may give you fresh breath, Chewing sugarless gum, especially ADA approved chewing gum, may actually help to prevent cavities. The American Dental Association  reports that studies show that you can prevent tooth decay by simply chewing sugar free gum for twenty minutes after your meal. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and strengthen tooth enamel, contributing to a regular oral hygiene routine, but frequent gum chewing should be monitored to avoid potential jaw discomfort.  This same production of saliva also reduces sensitivity in your teeth and can be a crucial part of your regular oral hygiene routine. However, not all sugarless gums is created equal. some gums are naturally sugar free chewing gums using alternatives like xylitol or sorbitol. If you wear dentures, you’ll want to choose a chewing gum that won’t damage them.  Be mindful that gums sweetened with Xylitol have more decay fighting benefits that gums sweetened with Sorbitol.   With Sorbitol, some acidic waste byproducts are still produced, and the cavity-forming bacteria can still digest Sorbitol, which they cannot do with Xylitol, making Xylitol one of the best chewing gum for gingivitis options.  Even though more gums are sweetened with sorbitol, regular chewing gum brings its own set of benefits, primarily because it is cheaper, if you are opting for sugar free gum, choose one sweetened with Xylitol.

Xylitol

You may have already heard of Xylitol, but what is it exactly, and why is it in the best chewing gum? Xylitol, often used in sugarless gum, is classified as one of the sugar alcohols and is naturally found in minute quantities in some fruits and vegetables, and it is a non cavity causing sweetener.  It is made from plant fiber or trees like birch and is considered a “natural” product.  It measures approximately the same as granulated sugar but has 40% fewer calories.   Because it has a low glycemic index, it does not raise blood sugar or give you spikes like regular sugar does.  It actually reduces cavities by “starving” the bad bacteria in your mouth.  It inhibits the growth of  streptococcus, the major bacteria responsible for plaque buildup and gum disease. However, sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol is readily available and is often considered the best chewing gum for teeth whitening due to its dental benefits.  Xylitol is plant based and a natural by-product found in minute quantities of the human body.  Unlike artificial sweeteners in the past, there has been no health risks associated with its consumption.   Side effects associated with consumption of Xylitol are minor, but may include minor digestive issues when too much is consumed.  Long term consumption appears to have no negative side effects.

Chewing Gum for Oral Health

To chew, or not to chew, especially when considering chewing gum for sensitive teeth?  That is the question.  The answer can be summed up easily.  active gum, particularly those gums that help your teeth, is great if it is sugar free and sweetened with Xylitol. However, if you experience tooth pain while chewing gum or a sore jaw from chewing gum, it’s important to consult with your dentist and possibly incorporate dental floss into your routine. This gum will clean your teeth and prevent decay, improving your overall oral health. So consider the bubble gum effects and toss those sugary gums, opting instead for chewing sugar free gums for better oral health.Your mouth will thank you. And to get on the road to great dental health, see your dentist regularly.  Contact us today to set up an appointment with the best dentist in Omaha NE! Check out our Dental Facts blog for more interesting teeth and dental facts!