The question of whether chewing gum harms your teeth depends entirely on the type of gum you choose. Many people worry about dental damage, often associating the habit with sticky, sugary products. However, the gum’s ingredients and mechanical action determine if it poses a threat to your oral health or provides a benefit. This difference centers on the presence or absence of sugar and the subsequent reaction it causes within the mouth.
The Dental Danger: When Gum Contains Sugar
Gum containing sugar fuels the process of tooth decay, making it detrimental to dental health. The primary culprit is the common oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans, which thrives on simple sugars present in the gum. When these bacteria consume the sugar, they produce acidic byproducts that immediately attack the tooth surface.
This acidic environment causes the demineralization of tooth enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. The acid dissolves minerals, creating microscopic pores that eventually lead to a visible cavity. Prolonged chewing of sugary gum extends the time teeth are exposed to this acid, increasing the risk of enamel erosion and decay.
The sticky nature of the gum base traps the sugar and acid-producing bacteria closer to the tooth surface. This prolonged exposure acts as a sustained acid attack on the enamel. Choosing sugar-filled gum heightens the chances of developing cavities and needing restorative dental work.
The Protective Mechanism: Saliva and Sweeteners
The protective benefits of chewing gum come exclusively from sugar-free varieties, which safeguard the teeth through two distinct actions. The mechanical action of chewing stimulates a significant increase in saliva flow, the body’s natural defense mechanism against decay. Saliva helps wash away food debris and acids, effectively cleansing tooth surfaces.
Saliva contains bicarbonate, which acts as a buffering agent to rapidly neutralize plaque acids produced by bacteria after eating. It also carries minerals like calcium and phosphate, essential for remineralization, repairing early acid damage to the enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum increases the salivary flow rate significantly.
Beyond saliva, specific sugar substitutes offer additional protection, particularly the sugar alcohol xylitol. Streptococcus mutans bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol for energy; they absorb it and starve, reducing their growth and acid production. Xylitol also interferes with the bacteria’s ability to adhere to the tooth surface, reducing plaque formation. Other sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol are also non-cariogenic, meaning they do not feed decay-causing bacteria.
Impact on Existing Dental Work
For individuals with existing dental restorations, the physical act of chewing gum presents risks separate from chemical decay. The sticky nature of the gum exerts a pulling force on dental fillings, especially older amalgam or composite restorations. This adhesive stress can loosen the bond of the filling, potentially causing it to become dislodged or pulled out.
Chewing gum should be avoided when wearing temporary dental devices, such as provisional crowns or veneers, as the gum can stick to them and pull them off. Orthodontic appliances like traditional braces are vulnerable; the gum can become trapped in the wires and brackets, making cleaning difficult and risking damage. Even with clear aligners, the gum can adhere to the trays and potentially deform them if not removed before chewing.
Choosing Gum for Optimal Oral Health
To ensure chewing gum contributes positively to oral health, selecting the correct product is the most important decision. Consumers must look for sugar-free gum, as only these varieties eliminate the fuel source for decay-causing bacteria. A reliable indicator of a beneficial product is the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA Seal is granted only to sugar-free gums that have provided scientific evidence demonstrating their safety and effectiveness. This includes reducing plaque acids, promoting remineralization, and reducing the risk of cavities. For maximum benefit, chew a piece of sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes immediately following meals or snacks. This duration allows sufficient saliva production to neutralize acids and wash away food particles when the mouth is most vulnerable. Chewing gum is a supplementary tool and is not a replacement for the fundamental daily routine of brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing.