The Pros and Cons of Chewing Gum

Is chewing gum beneficial or harmful to your health? When weighing in on the argument, there are several factors to consider. A person’s dental health history might have a significant role when it comes to oral health exclusively. However, when considering additional advantages, such as the capacity to focus more efficiently, the benefits and drawbacks of chewing gum are more complex. 

The Pros:

• Saliva: Chewing gum encourages the production of saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and maintain your dental health. In addition, extra saliva generated by chewing gum can help battle heartburn by regulating stomach acid. It can also assist in keeping fluids in the stomach, or at least push them back there, counteracting acid that has seeped into the esophagus.

• Alleviate Bad Breath: Chewing gum provides temporary relief from foul breath, which is one of the most significant advantages. Chewing gum helps to reduce the smell of bad breath and provides a bit of minty freshness to cleanse the palate after a meal of garlic or raw onion.

The Cons:

• Sugar: If you chew sugary gum, you are feeding bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria consume carbohydrates and excrete acid as waste. Tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease can all be caused by this acid. If you choose to chew gum, we recommend you only purchase sugar-free varieties.

• TMJ Disorder: If you suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, chewing gum is highly discouraged as it may aggravate your symptoms. If you experience increased jaw pain or headaches after chewing gum, talk to your dentist about other ways to clean your teeth between brushings that won’t exacerbate your TMJ symptoms.

Whether you choose to chew gum or not is ultimately a personal decision. However, if you have questions or concerns about how it may affect your oral health, please feel free to reach out to us and book an appointment with our Plantation dentists, Tamarac dentists, or Davie dentists today. 

Is Chewing Gum Right for Your Smile?

Understanding whether chewing gum is right for you often depends on your unique dental needs. At Smile Every Day Dentistry & Orthodontics, our dentists, like Dr. Mo Sirage, are here to help you make informed decisions about your oral health. With years of experience addressing diverse dental concerns, Dr. Sirage emphasizes the importance of selecting sugar-free gum to protect against tooth decay and reduce plaque buildup.

If you’re managing conditions like TMJ disorder or have specific concerns about your dental health, our team can provide tailored advice and alternatives to chewing gum that support your overall oral care routine. Book an appointment with us today, and let us help you navigate the pros and cons of chewing gum for a healthier, happier smile!

May 20, 2022