To Chew or Not to Chew: Your Cincinnati Dentist Answers the Gum Question

Let’s settle one of the most common questions patients of all ages ask Cincinnati dentists: Is chewing gum good or bad for your teeth?

The short answer? It depends on the type of gum. Chewing regular or sugary gum consistently will significantly increase your chances of developing cavities. All that sweetness is a feast for the bacteria that cause cavities. Instead, reach for your favorite sugar-free gum. Here’s why:

The Surprising Benefits of Sugar-Free Gum

There’s plenty of evidence that chewing sugar-free gum does precisely the opposite of promoting harmful bacteria. The act of chewing it and the flavor it provides encourage saliva production, up to 10 times the normal amount. This bathes your teeth, rinsing off and neutralizing the acid released by plaque-producing bacteria that erode tooth enamel.

In addition to neutralizing damaging acids, the increase in saliva also rinses away excess food particles. Every piece of sugar-free gum you chew is a super soak for your mouth. It’s not a substitute for a professional dental cleaning from your Cincinnati dentist, but it can support your oral health habits between checkups.

Remember that the gum should be sugar-free. Sugar-filled gum will only feed the plaque-causing bacteria and fill your mouth with cavities, potentially leading to pain due to advanced decay.

Why Xylitol Sugar-Free Gum Is Your Secret Weapon

Chewing sugar-free gum with the sweetener xylitol can have a positive impact on your teeth. In addition to increasing saliva, xylitol naturally inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacterium that contributes to tooth decay. In the presence of xylitol, those nasty bacteria can’t even stick to your tooth. Over time, xylitol will cause the bacteria in your mouth to change, as cavity-causing germs die off and only healthy bacteria remain.

Considerations Regarding Sugar-Free Gum Chewing

There are certain conditions where chewing sugar-free gum, even if it contains xylitol, is not recommended. If you suffer from temporomandibular disorder (TMD/TMJ) symptoms or have jaw pain, chewing gum of any kind will likely worsen your condition.

Consult with your local oral health provider at Beckham Square Family Dental for their recommendations on sugar-free gum. If you’re not a gum chewer, ask if they could suggest some gum alternatives.