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IS CHEWING GUM BAD FOR YOUR TEETH?


Have you noticed recently while standing in the checkout line all the choices that are available for chewing gum. So many new, interesting flavors with eye catching packaging. Companies who are now advertising that chewing gum is low calorie, cleans and protects teeth, whitens your teeth and helps prevent stains. It seems almost hard to resist purchasing those fancy, flavorable packages! So, is there any harm to your teeth when chewing gum???

Chewing Gum has some benefits and some disadvantages. Gum can stimulate the production of saliva. Saliva washes the teeth and neutralizes some of the acid produced by bacteria. The acid producing bacteria causes decay. For those who do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva, chewing gum can be a benefit.

When deciding which gum to chew, be sure that it is sugarless or one that contains Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetner which can actually be beneficial. Some studies show that Xylitol can reduce decay by inhibiting bacterial growth.

Gum chewing, however, can result in muscle fatigue and pain which can lead to TMJ concerns. Teeth are designed for chewing consistently for approximatley twenty minutes. Most people chew gum for hours at a time. For some, this can cause extra strain on the jaw, TMJ, facial pain and tooth problems. Most gum chewers typically use one side of their mouth to chew. The imbalance of chewing on one side may lead to overdeveloped muscles headaches and facial pain.
If you feel you are experiencing headaches, facial pain or TMJ problems please call us at 561-394-9000.

Kim Wright, R.D.H.

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