The effect of chewing gum on dental health depends entirely on its composition, specifically the type of sweetener it contains. Understanding the ingredients is necessary to determine if the act of chewing is beneficial or harmful to your teeth and jaw.
The Dental Damage Caused by Sugared Gum
Traditional chewing gum sweetened with sugar poses a direct and sustained threat to the integrity of tooth enamel. The sugar, typically a fermentable carbohydrate like sucrose, serves as a food source for the naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth. As these oral bacteria consume the sugar, they produce metabolic byproducts, primarily acids.
This acidic environment rapidly lowers the pH level within the mouth, creating conditions ideal for demineralization. Demineralization is the process where acid dissolves the mineral content, mainly calcium and phosphate, from the hard outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. Unlike quickly consumed sugary foods, the extended period of chewing sugary gum prolongs this acidic exposure, which accelerates the formation of dental caries, or cavities.
How Sugar-Free Gum Benefits Oral Health
The formulation of sugar-free gum actively supports oral health. The physical act of chewing stimulates a significant increase in the flow of saliva, the body’s natural defense mechanism for the mouth. Saliva contains bicarbonate, which works to rapidly neutralize the acids produced by plaque bacteria and those introduced by foods and drinks.
The increased saliva production acts like a constant rinse cycle, washing away food particles and debris that could otherwise contribute to plaque buildup. This boosted salivary flow also plays a direct role in the repair process known as remineralization. Saliva naturally carries essential minerals, specifically calcium and phosphate ions, which are redeposited into the areas of the enamel that have been weakened by acid exposure. This helps to strengthen the enamel surface and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.
The specific non-fermentable sweeteners used in these gums contribute an anti-cariogenic effect beyond acid neutralization. Sweeteners like xylitol, a sugar alcohol, cannot be metabolized by the primary cavity-causing bacterium, Streptococcus mutans. Because the bacteria cannot feed on xylitol, their growth is inhibited, and the production of enamel-eroding acid is significantly reduced. Other sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and mannitol are also used because they are non-cariogenic, meaning they do not contribute to the formation of cavities.
Potential Mechanical Concerns of Chewing Gum
Even without sugar, the physical action of chewing gum for extended durations can introduce mechanical issues. Prolonged or excessive chewing continuously engages the muscles responsible for jaw movement, particularly the masseter muscles. This overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, tightness, and can exacerbate symptoms for individuals who suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort or disorder.
The repetitive strain on the jaw joint, which connects the lower jawbone to the skull, can contribute to chronic pain, headaches, and a clicking sensation. For those with pre-existing jaw conditions or bruxism (teeth grinding), continuous gum chewing is often discouraged because it reinforces the habit and adds stress to the joint and surrounding muscles. Furthermore, the sticky nature of gum may occasionally pull on or loosen compromised dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges.