Before bubble gum, there was tree sap. Ancient populations, including American Indians, chewed sap from local trees. Today, our chewing gum is made up of polymers, resins, waxes, and other agents that give it its snap, elasticity, color, and flavor.
Though it is popular and widely used, the question remains: Are chewing gums actually okay for your teeth?
Which Chewing Gum Is Best?
The American Dental Association recommends that you chew sugar-free gum if you’re going to chew gum at all. Sugar-free gums are sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sorbitol, or xylitol. Studies have shown that sugar-free gum may reduce tooth decay when chewed after a meal. Sugar-free gum can also reduce cavities, especially those containing xylitol.
It’s what the sugar-free gum does for the mouth, rather than the gum itself, that is most beneficial. In short, chewing gum acts as a cleaning agent, helping to remove unwanted acids from your mouth. Chewing gum increases saliva in your mouth. Increased saliva helps neutralize and remove the acids produced by bacteria that are breaking down food. These same acids, if not removed, can destroy your tooth enamel over time.
You should pick sugar-free or sugarless gum over other types of gum. That’s because the sweeteners used in sugarless gum won’t cause cavities. Sweetened gum often contains sugars or sweeteners linked to cavities and increased dental decay. Also, these sweetened gums often contain calories, and though it’s only a few calories per piece, it can really add up if you're a heavy gum chewer.
The Good and the Bad About Gum
Though many of today’s chewing gums resemble candy more than a dental health aide, chewing gum may actually be a health booster. Studies show that chewing gum may help improve concentration and cognitive performance. Chewing gum after meals may reduce tooth decay. Gum chewers may also experience less daytime sleepiness. That means popping a piece of gum might prevent you from popping the top off a sugary soda.
Unfortunately, gum isn’t always a winner. The artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gum may actually cause an upset stomach or diarrhea if you're a heavy chewer. The constant chewing also does a number on the tissues in your jaw. You may develop or exacerbate jaw problems if you chew gum regularly.
Lastly, a study in the British Dental Journal found some evidence that a few of the more acidic ingredients found in sugar-free gum might actually cause dental erosion. The author of that study concluded that more research is needed into these possible problems. For now, however, gum chewers should try to keep their daily habit to only a few pieces per day, preferably after a meal.
Does Chewing Gum Replace Brushing and Flossing?
You may be tempted to skip brushing and flossing altogether if you're a regular gum chewer. After all, gum can help clean and regulate your mouth’s bacteria. Unfortunately, chewing gum is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. You can do all of it, but you can’t chew gum alone and expect to maintain great oral health.
The Bottom Line
Chewing gum isn’t a substitute for proper oral hygiene, but in a pinch, the chewy confection may help boost your concentration and mental performance while cutting down on your risk for tooth decay. Still, the gum habit is not without its problems, so it’s best you chew in moderation. If you begin experiencing jaw pain or develop gastrointestinal problems after chewing sugar-free gum for a period of time, speak with your doctor. You may need to cut out the gum altogether, or at least until you’re feeling better.
