Is Chewing Gum Good for Your Mouth?
Are you a gum chewer? To some, chewing gum may be considered a nasty habit. There is reason to believe that chewing too much can cause adverse side effects, such as jaw pain, headaches, and potentially TMJ issues due to overworking the jaw muscles.
Even Willy Wonka dislikes a gum chewer and says, “Chewing gum is really gross. Chewing gum, I hate the most.”
However, chewing sugar-free gum has certain advantages for oral health. Keep reading this article to learn more about five oral health benefits of chewing sugar free gum.
5 Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
#1: Combating Bad Breath
One of the most common reasons people chew gum is to freshen their breath after eating or drinking strong-smelling foods. While chewing gum can help mask bad breath after a meal, sugar-free gums address the root of the problem as well.
How? Certain sugar-free gums contain mint and other essential oils that actively neutralize odor-causing bacteria. The next time you need bad breath relief, pop in a piece of your favorite minty sugar-free gum.
#2: Preventing Tooth Decay
Another great benefit of sugar-free gum is its potential to help prevent tooth decay. Sugar-free gums can help combat tooth decay due to the ingredient xylitol. Although xylitol is used as an alternative sweetener to sugar, it has also been discovered that xylitol reduces the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Unlike sugar, which feeds bacterial growth, xylitol interferes with the bacteria’s ability to stick to the tooth’s surface, which helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Remember that chewing gum is not a substitute for regular brushing and cleaning your teeth, but chewing gum after meals can help slow down tooth decay until you can reach your toothbrush.
#3: Increasing Saliva Flow
Another surprising benefit of chewing sugar-free gum is its ability to help increase saliva flow. When saliva flow increases in the mouth, several great benefits occur. First, increased saliva helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in plaque. Saliva also helps wash away food particles and bacteria that could stick to teeth and cause plaque build-up. This is another factor that explains why chewing gum after meals helps reduce tooth decay.
Secondly, saliva is important for keeping your mouth comfortable and lubricated. Studies show that roughly 30% of people aged 65 and older are affected by dry mouth, which can significantly impact eating, speaking and overall oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum regularly can help increase saliva and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.
#4: Help Reduce Stains
Although chewing sugar-free gum cannot permanently whiten teeth, it can help remove surface stains. Another benefit of stimulating saliva production is that it increases the pH level of the mouth. Saliva can wash away food particles and bacteria that cause discoloration.
Some gums contain whitening agents, such as baking soda. Although these products cannot lighten the natural color of your teeth, they can help lessen any staining. Chewing gum after eating and drinking can help remove stains from coffee, red wine and smoking.
#5: Stress Relief
Chewing gum isn’t just good for your teeth—it can also have surprising mental benefits. Studies suggest chewing gum can help improve focus, reduce stress, and even enhance cognitive performance. The act of chewing may increase blood flow to the brain, promoting alertness and concentration.
Additionally, chewing gum can relieve stress by providing a repetitive motion that calms the mind, much like fidgeting or doodling. This makes gum an excellent companion during moments of tension or high-stakes tasks, such as exams, meetings, or public speaking.
Best Practices for Chewing Gum
Choose ADA Approved Sugar-free Gum.
Chew After Meals - To maximize the benefits mentioned in this article, chew gum for 20 minutes after meals.
Chew in Moderation. Stick to chewing gum for short periods of time to avoid jaw fatigue or TMJ issues.
Remember to Brush and Floss - As previously mentioned, chewing gum is not a replacement for good daily oral hygiene habits.
Questions about your oral health or building better dental hygiene habits? We’re here to help patients in The Woodlands, Spring, Creekside and surrounding communities. If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, schedule an appointment with the dentists at WoodSprings Dentistry for your next hygiene appointment and exam.