Chewing gum is a bit of an enigma—it’s sweet and flavorful, but you aren’t supposed to swallow it. It’s sticky and moldable, but it doesn’t get stuck inside of our mouths, just in our hair. You can even blow a bubble with it, but the bubble will inevitably burst. Even though it seems like chewing gum is hardly more than a small novelty to enjoy, are there any actual health benefits that come from it? Certain dentists in Wichita Falls think so, and the facts seem to back up this claim.
What are the benefits of chewing gum?
A two-year study on sugarless chewing gum was conducted on a population of elementary school children in Europe, and the results found that after just one year, children who chewed sugarless gum had a 41% reduction in dental caries (cavities)—an impressive difference, caused by simply chewing three pieces of sugarless gum daily.
This is due to the increased production of saliva that occurs when we chew or swallow food. Saliva helps to neutralize the acids from the foods that we eat, so by chewing gum, we are increasing the flow of saliva while reducing the amount of contact that occurs between our teeth and food acids. More chewing means more saliva, which means less tooth decay.
Are there any downsides to chewing gum?
Even though there is compelling evidence that chewing gum can actively help to prevent tooth decay, it is important to note that this applies only to sugar-free gum. Other chewing gums, especially ones containing a plethora of sugar, can accelerate the rate at which your teeth decay and cavities form. Additionally, some chewing gums and other similar consumables have the potential to cause damage or dislocation to your teeth and gums; for instance, if a stick of gum is hard or tough, you should use caution when beginning to chew it.
Should I continue chewing gum?
While there are clear oral health benefits to chewing [sugarless] gum, you should do what is best for your oral health. This includes being mindful of other chewing gums, specifically the ones that contain a high amount of sugar (the color of the chewing gum, especially if it is brightly or oddly colored, can sometimes be great indicator if the wrapper is not available). Although prevention of tooth decay is simple, talking to your dentist will allow you to make a more informed choice about whether you should continue chewing gum or not. But if it is sugarless gum, you are likely in the clear.
If it was not already a curious thing, chewing gum having the capacity to provide at least some healthy benefits is certainly impressive. Perhaps one day, chewing gum will become the way to achieve great oral health.
About the Author
Strohman Dental, founded by Dr. Shelly Strohman, is based in Wichita Falls, TX and has been serving the local community for over 13 years. Dr. Strohman received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the UMKC School of Dentistry, and she is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, the 13th District Dental Society, and the Texhoma Christian Care Center Board of Directors. If you have any questions about the article, you can reach Dr. Strohman at her website or (940)-613-0299.