An estimated 20 million Americans chew at least 16 pieces of gum per year, and if you’re one of them, you probably have your reasons. Maybe it helps keep your mind occupied; maybe you just enjoy the taste; maybe you just think it looks cool. No matter why you chew gum, you have probably wondered about the impact it has on your oral health.
Is chewing gum bad for your teeth? Does it actually have some health benefits? The answer is that it depends. Read on to find out more about the team at American Dental’s opinion on chewing gum and how it affects your teeth and gums.
Negative Aspects of Chewing Gum
Whether or not chewing gum is bad for your oral health depends primarily on the type of gum you choose to chew. There are many types of gum on the market today, and some are worse for you than others.
If your favorite gum contains a lot of sugar, we have bad news for you: it’s probably contributing to oral health conditions like tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. That’s because the sugar in your gum serves as a perfect food source for the naturally occurring bacteria that live in your mouth. While these microorganisms can aid in digestion, it’s important to keep their populations in check.
That’s because they excrete harmful byproducts that can erode your tooth enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay. When your oral bacteria die off, they can also become calcified and form plaque buildup that irritates the gums and causes them to recede. If your gum of choice contains a lot of food coloring, it can also cause stains on your teeth over time. Let us know if you need dental crowns in Chicago.
Benefits of Chewing Gum
If chewing gum is something you can’t go without, don’t worry; choosing certain types of gum can actually be beneficial to your oral health. The American Dental Association has actually approved the use of sugar-free gums, especially those sweetened with xylitol, as part of your oral health routine. The ADA recommends chewing sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after meals to help remove bits of food from between the teeth, neutralize acid in your mouth, and stimulate saliva production that washes away harmful bacteria.
If you want to switch to a sugar-free brand, be aware that most are sweetened with sorbitol, which can be digested by your mouth bacteria. For the most benefits, choose one sweetened with xylitol, as this compound cannot be digested by the bacteria that make up your oral biome.
Dentist Offices in the Chicago Area
If you have questions about the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum, we encourage you to ask your dentist during your next dental checkup. Those of you who live in the Chicago area can schedule a dental exam in River West Chicago or any of the 8 communities where we have established dental offices. We also offer root canals in Chicago.
Head over to our appointment page for a list of our Chicago area dental clinics and fill out the form to schedule your next checkup today! Or, if you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, call (773) 729- 6040 to speak with a member of our team to make your appointment.