U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that a whopping 175 million Americans enjoyed chewing gum or bubble gum in 2017.1 Given that the population of the U.S. was estimated at 325 million in 2017 that translates to over half of all Americans having enjoyed this confectionary treat last year, and research indicates that Americans enjoy gum a lot.

The average American consumes 1.8 pounds of gum, on average, every year according to the Census Bureau.2 From a dental perspective, there are both good and bad sides to Americans’ love of gum.

The good news is that chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth.

The key here is the words, “sugar-free.” Even if the gum is not advertised as cavity fighting, as long as it is sugar-free you can derive benefits from it. When you chew sugar-free gum, food particles stuck between teeth get caught in the gum.

Chewing gum also prompts your body to produce saliva, which rinses food particles out of the mouth and also neutralizes acids that can erode tooth enamel. In fact, studies have shown that both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate ten times the normal rate of saliva flow.3 Chewing gum can be very beneficial especially in situations where you can’t brush your teeth after eating.

There are also compounds in some sugar-free gums that can actually improve your teeth. If the sugar-free gum is sweetened with xylitol it has the added benefit of inhibiting the growth of one type of oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, which cause cavities.4

Simply put, xylitol makes it difficult for the bacteria to adhere to teeth, which puts a stop to the cavity causing process. It is reported that with xylitol use over a period of time, the types of bacteria in the mouth change and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces.5

Research has also shown calcium lactate, when used in gum with Xylitol, can actually boost helpful minerals in tooth enamel.6 Another substance to look for in your sugar-free gum is phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). Many manufacturers are adding it to their products as it is said to re-mineralize and harden tooth enamel, making teeth stronger and less likely to incur tooth decay.7

There are drawbacks to chewing gum, too. If you chew gum containing sugar, you can actually increase your chances of getting a cavity. Not all artificial sweeteners are the same. There is a body of research linking the artificial sweetener aspartame to cancer, so you may wish to avoid that sweetener.

Gum chewing can also contribute to jaw pain and is not recommended for people diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder or TMJ. Chewing gum can also cause dental work such as crowns, bridges and fillings to break or become loose.8

While chewing sugar-free gum is a good way to clean and protect your teeth, it is important to recognize that it is not a substitute for good oral habits. To maintain good oral health you still need to brush your teeth at least twice each day for at least two minutes each time, and floss your teeth daily.

Also remember that it is best to let the acid in your mouth settle for at least 15 to 20 minutes after your eat or drink before you brush your teeth. Following these simple tips, along with chewing sugar-free gum when it’s not possible to brush your teeth, will go a long way in protecting your irreplaceable teeth.

Sedki Dentistry, Commerce MI is a complete family dental clinic that offers services for all dental health concerns. Dr. Sedki and his experienced staff are professional and committed to providing uncompromised care to their patients. Maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile is their goal. Call Sedki Dentistry today and get started on a healthy, beautiful smile!
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1 Consumption of Chewing Gum / Bubble Gum in the U.S. 2017, United States Census Bureau
Link: https://www.statista.com/statistics/276026/us-households-consumption-of-chewing-gum–bubble-gum/

2, 7 Gum That is Good for Your Teeth: Too Good to Be True?, Colgate
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/nutrition-and-oral-health/gum-that-is-good-for-your-teeth-too-good-to-be-true-0213

3, 4, 5 Gum Chewing: Helpful or Harmful?, Delta Dental
Link: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/gum-chewing.html

6, 8 Something to Chew On: Chewing Gum and Your Teeth
Link: https://www.humana.com/prevention-and-care/healthy-living-and-prevention/dental-health/chewing-gum