Sugar gum is detrimental to dental health because it provides a sustained source of fermentable carbohydrates directly to oral bacteria. Sugar gum includes any chewing gum sweetened with traditional sugars like sucrose, glucose, or corn syrup. These ingredients promote the formation of dental decay. While the act of chewing itself is not harmful, the presence of sugar transforms the gum into a significant threat to tooth enamel, leading to a continuous cycle of acid production and mineral loss.
The Role of Sugar in Dental Decay
Sugar is the primary fuel source for specific types of oral bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans. When these microorganisms consume simple sugars, they rapidly produce strong organic acids, such as lactic acid, which they secrete into the thin, sticky film known as dental plaque.
The accumulation of this acid dramatically lowers the pH level on the tooth surface. Tooth enamel begins to dissolve when the pH drops below a threshold of approximately 5.5, a process called demineralization. This causes minerals like calcium and phosphate to leach out of the enamel structure, weakening the tooth’s hard outer layer. If this acidic environment is maintained, the erosion progresses, eventually leading to the formation of a cavity.
The Impact of Chewing Duration
The unique problem with sugar gum, compared to other sweets, is the prolonged exposure time of the sugar to the teeth. Unlike candy or a sugary beverage that is consumed quickly, chewing gum can remain in the mouth for ten to twenty minutes or longer. This extended duration means the bacteria have a continuous supply of sugar, leading to a prolonged period of acid production.
Chewing sugar gum effectively bathes the teeth in a low-pH, acidic environment. This continuous exposure prevents the mouth’s natural defenses, primarily saliva, from neutralizing the acids and washing away the sugary residue. Each time a person chews sugar gum, they extend the duration of the destructive acid attack, preventing the natural process of remineralization from occurring.
Why Sugar-Free Gum is Different
Sugar-free gum is formulated with sugar substitutes called polyols, or sugar alcohols, such as Xylitol, Sorbitol, and Maltitol. Oral bacteria cannot metabolize these polyols into the harmful acids that cause tooth decay. Because the bacteria cannot ferment these sweeteners, the chewing process does not result in the drop in pH that leads to demineralization.
The physical act of chewing sugar-free gum provides a protective benefit by stimulating the flow of saliva. Increased saliva volume helps to neutralize the acids already present in the mouth, acting as a natural buffer. This stimulated saliva also contains calcium and phosphate ions, which aid in remineralization. Furthermore, the increased flow of saliva helps to physically wash away food debris and plaque from the tooth surfaces.