Chewing gum while playing any sport is common as it enhances brain activity. Many like its mouth freshener quality and prefer to chew it all day long. Meanwhile, some people chew gum out of habit. Every individual is different and wired accordingly. Chewing gums often have sugar or artificial sweetener, which both harm your dental health. However, chewing gum can prevent cavities if it has a natural sweetener called Xylitol. It is a naturally occurring sweetener that reduces cavity-causing bacteria in plaque.
Many people do not pay much attention to gum ingredients as it is not to be swallowed. Still, the teeth and gums are exposed to elements. Sugary gums can do more harm than good. Several studies suggest that people who chew gum most of the time may less likely eat fruits and vegetables and more likely to eat chips or unhealthy food. Before buying gum, it is always a good idea to consider artificial sweeteners. Many health effects of artificial sweeteners are:
Tooth deformity – Chewing gum regularly can lead to excessive wear on the tooth enamel and even change the bite alignment.
Headache – Research suggests that some younger people, such as teens with excessive chewing habits, have experienced headaches. This may be due to constant chewing stress in studies or other reasons, making jaw muscles tired.
Cavity – If you are chewing gum, you may be putting your teeth at risk. More sugar means increasing the risk of developing cavities and exposing your teeth for a long time.
So, does it mean chewing gum is bad for teeth?
Chewing gum is not all that bad. It activates saliva that helps neutralize and rinse some acids when food breaks down. Even the minerals generated by the extra saliva may help strengthen your enamel. So, if you are chewing gum after your meal, you may be promoting oral health. If you chew mint-flavored gum, then you are less likely to yawn. Chewing gum can also increase blood flow to your brain. However, too much of anything can be harmful!
Schedule an appointment with Foothill Dental Care at (925) 961-5484 for a dental checkup.