Is Chewing Gum Bad For Your Teeth?
Constantly chewing gum seems like it would be detrimental to your oral health
. Some people believe that it wears down teeth, causes more plaque, or creates jaw problems.
However, the effects of chewing gum on the mouth are not at all as bad as what they may seem to be. In fact, some types of gum may be beneficial to the overall health of your mouth.
It is true that those with TMJ issues should avoid chewing gum, since it causes extra strain on the jaw. TMJ disorder involves the swelling of the joint that connects the mandible, or jaw bone, to the skull.
Some people experience pain, earaches, clicking, migraines, and difficulty chewing when this joint is overused. If you are prone to having this disorder or experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your dentist about chewing gum and the possibility of it harming your teeth.
It can also have negative effects on children's teeth if they choose to chew sugary types. Any large intake of refined sugar is detrimental to young children's oral health.
"Baby" teeth are not as strong as adult teeth, and are more susceptible to bacteria, plaque, and cavities. Therefore, it is essential that youth take care of their teeth and brush after every meal.
Children should also learn the benefits of flossing. If your child likes sweet chewing gums, perhaps you can find a sugar free version of their favorite flavor.
Cutting this type of treat out of their sweets intake will drastically decrease the amount of cavities they experience before their stronger adult molars grow in, and will increase the health of their mouth overall.
It is also advised for you to watch your children carefully. Children should not ingest gum, and should definitely not masticate large wads of it.
It is very possible for them to choke or for a large wad to obstruct their breathing airways if it is not monitored. Always be careful and advise your children on how to properly use it.
Though there are definitely drawbacks to chewing gum, in fact, the benefits outweigh the negatives. There have been a number of studies that suggest it is beneficial to your oral health.
It stimulates the production of saliva within the mouth, which can flush out or prevent the bacteria that cause decay from forming. It is especially useful when chewed directly following a meal.
The saliva produced flushes any leftover food particles or plaque left on the teeth, and stimulates the gums to prevent bacteria from settling. The less bacteria that settle along the gums within the mouth, the less of a chance there will be that you experience tooth decay.
The more you take care of your teeth and prevent decay, the less time you will have to spend in the dentist's office. Almost all dentists will advise that you chew sugarless gum.
Many of the artificial sweeteners used in sugarless types actually remineralize and prevent decay. In other words, it is actually perfectly acceptable and healthy to chomp those varieties.
There are also a number of varieties that have whitening agents in them. Though they are not as powerful at the type of whitening treatment you can receive from your dentist, they offer some assistance in creating a bright and clean smile.
If you are already using whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, it may be a good idea to avoid anymore agents designated for that purpose. Too much peroxide or strong chemicals used to whiten your smile may cause damage to the enamel or give you terrible stomach and intestinal pain, if swallowed.
However, if you wish to have a little boost in brightening your smile, give the whitening variety a try! You should obviously avoid chewing gum if you are currently under any kind of orthodontic treatment.
It is harmful to the metals used for braces and retainers, and will most likely get stuck in or on them. It can also rip brackets and wires off of teeth, which is one issue that can be difficult and/or expensive to repair.
The next time you are worried about chewing gum and how it affects your oral health, remember that it will only do harm if you have jaw issues or cannot use it without choking. The sugar-free varieties are actually beneficial to you and can help improve your smile!
by: Jack Landry
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