Chewing gum can be beneficial for dental health, but the outcome depends entirely on the type of gum chosen. While many people associate gum with sugary treats that harm teeth, sugar-free varieties offer a practical way to support oral hygiene when used correctly. The physical act of chewing and the specific ingredients determine whether the habit helps protect teeth or contributes to decay.
The Impact of Increased Saliva Flow
The simple mechanical act of chewing gum delivers a significant benefit by dramatically increasing the rate of saliva production. When you chew, your salivary glands are stimulated, leading to a flow rate that can be 10 to 12 times higher than the rate of saliva at rest. This stimulated flow is the primary mechanism by which gum aids in cleaning the mouth after eating.
Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense system. The increased volume helps to physically wash away food debris, sugars, and bacteria from tooth surfaces and crevices. This rinsing action reduces the available material that plaque-forming bacteria can consume.
Saliva also contains bicarbonate and specific proteins that provide a buffering capacity against acids. Bacteria produce acid after consuming carbohydrates, which lowers the mouth’s pH and can lead to enamel erosion. The surge of saliva helps to quickly neutralize these plaque acids, bringing the oral environment back to a neutral pH more rapidly. Saliva also carries minerals, such as calcium and phosphate, which help strengthen the tooth enamel through remineralization.
The Critical Role of Sweeteners
The chemical composition of the gum, particularly the sweetener, determines whether the increased saliva flow is protective or counterproductive. Gum containing fermentable sugars, like sucrose or glucose, provides a direct food source for oral bacteria. Chewing such gum encourages bacteria to produce more decay-causing acids, negating the beneficial effects of the increased saliva.
The beneficial products are sweetened with non-fermentable sugar substitutes, such as polyols like xylitol, sorbitol, or maltitol. These polyols provide a sweet taste but cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria into acid. This essentially starves the bacteria, preventing the damaging pH drop after a meal.
Xylitol is particularly noteworthy because it offers an active therapeutic benefit beyond simply being non-fermentable. Studies show that xylitol actively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay, by disrupting their energy production processes. Consuming xylitol reduces the number of these harmful bacteria in both plaque and saliva. Choosing a product with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance assures the gum is sugar-free and has been clinically evaluated for safety and effectiveness in reducing caries risk.
Non-Cavity Related Dental Concerns
While sugar-free gum offers significant benefits for preventing cavities, it is not without potential drawbacks, especially concerning mechanical issues. Continuous, repetitive chewing can place excessive strain on the muscles and joints that control jaw movement, known as the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
Individuals who experience temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are advised to limit or avoid gum chewing entirely. The constant motion can overwork strained muscles, potentially increasing discomfort, causing headaches, or exacerbating symptoms like jaw clicking, pain, or muscle fatigue.
Chewing gum can also pose a risk for people with extensive or delicate dental work. The sticky nature and constant motion may cause stress on restorations, potentially leading to the dislodgement of crowns, fillings, or bridges. While the physical action of chewing is beneficial, excessive or prolonged chewing on hard or dense gum could contribute to the wear of tooth enamel over time.
Best Practices for Chewing Gum
To maximize the dental health benefits of chewing gum, the choice of product is paramount: it must be sugar-free. Opting for a brand that contains xylitol and carries the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance is the most reliable strategy.
The most effective time to chew gum is immediately following a meal or snack, as this is when bacterial acid production is at its peak. Chewing for approximately 20 minutes is sufficient to stimulate the necessary saliva flow and neutralize the acids produced.
Gum is a supplemental tool for oral care, not a replacement for fundamental hygiene. Chewing gum should complement a routine that includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental brushes. If jaw discomfort occurs, reducing the duration or frequency of gum chewing is advisable.