Chewing gum is often seen as a simple pleasure, a way to freshen breath or keep the mouth busy. So there’s the question: is gum good for your teeth? When it comes to oral health, chewing gum can be surprisingly beneficial.
•Increased Saliva Production
When you chew gum, your brain is tricked into thinking that you’re eating, and it signals the salivary glands to ramp up production. This results in increased saliva flow, which is a key benefit of chewing gum for oral health.
•Saliva is a natural defense mechanism for your mouth; it plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by washing away food particles and neutralizing the acids produced by plaque-forming bacteria. These acids can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so the more saliva you have to combat them, the better.
Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?
Before we can determine if chewing gum is good or bad for our teeth, we have to dig into the potential downsides. Chewing gum - especially in excess or when choosing the wrong types - can lead to several oral health issues. For example, chewing gum that contains sugars can increase the risk of cavity formation, as sugars feed bacteria that produce acids which erode enamel.
Let’s explore the drawbacks that come with gum chewing and how they can impact your smile.
The 20-Minute Rule
The optimal time to chew gum is after meals, and the magic number to remember is 20 minutes. This duration is long enough to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away the acids produced by bacteria in your mouth after eating. Saliva also contains calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel. By sticking to this 20-minute rule, you’ll aid in the prevention of tooth decay and contribute to a healthier oral environment.
Avoid Over-Chewing
While it might be tempting to keep a piece of gum in your mouth for extended periods, over-chewing can have consequences. Chewing for hours on end can lead to jaw fatigue and may even contribute to the wear and tear of your tooth enamel. Over time, this will cause sensitivity and other dental issues. Additionally, excessive chewing strains your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint, leading to discomfort or more serious TMJ disorders.
MBH/PS