Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
How sugarless gum helps your teeth
Chewing sugar-free gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps prevent tooth decay by:
- washing away food and other debris.
- canceling out acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
- providing disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.
Increased saliva flow also brings more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel.
Choosing a sugar-free gum
Look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA Seal is your assurance that the gum is sugarless and has met the American Dental Association (ADA) guidelines for safety and effectiveness. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-accepted products are true because companies must verify all their information to the ADA.
All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity-causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol. Though chewing gum with sugar increases saliva flow too, sugar is used by plaque bacteria to produce decay-causing acids, which harm your teeth.
Chewing gum and your jaw
The act of chewing gum is different than chewing food during meals. Your mouth moves more frequently and works harder because gum doesn’t break down and move out of your mouth like food does.
The intensity of chewing gum for regular, extended periods – especially if it’s dense or has a thick consistency – could lead to symptoms like jaw pain and headaches and put you at risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which affect the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible for you to open and close your mouth. People with TMJ disorders can experience jaw-clicking or locking which is often painful.
Avoid chewing any gum if you have a TMJ disorder. Chewing gum with a TMJ disorder adds to the stress in your mouth and can make your condition worse. If you’re experiencing TMJ symptoms, see your dentist for proper diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle recommendations to alleviate your discomfort.
Some companies are producing hard, tough-to-chew gum with claims of being able to exercise and “reshape” one’s jaw without medical intervention. Social media advertisements about these products have generated questions and curiosity, but it’s important to remember that most “viral trends” are rarely backed by scientific evidence and can range from ineffective to harmful when it comes to your oral health. For those with jaw pain or a TMJ disorder, chewing this gum may cause additional issues.
If you have questions about a trend you’ve seen on social media or elsewhere, speak to your dentist, dental specialist or physician to ensure your oral and overall health is prioritized.
Chewing gum as a tool; not a substitute
Chewing sugar-free gum can be a helpful tool in the fight against tooth decay, but it’s not a substitute for other dental care.
To maintain good oral health, the ADA still recommends that you follow a care routine that also includes:
- brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- cleaning between your teeth daily.
- eating nutritious and balanced meals, limiting sugary foods and snacking.
- visiting your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and examinations.