Is chewing gum bad for your smile?

• Posted on: Jul 30 2021
• By: My Gold Dentist

At the cash registers of most convenience stores, there may be numerous packets of candy and gum for patients to choose from. But is chewing gum appropriate for your smile? Family dentists such as those at Golden Dental Solutions in Golden, Colorado may be available to help clear up fact and fiction regarding chewing gum and one’s oral health and wellness. You may be surprised at the fictitious “facts” you have been hearing about chewing gum and can learn about your dentist’s thoughts on the matter. 

Fact or fiction: sugar-free gum helps with weight loss 

There is no research that gum can help you in losing weight. However, it can be beneficial for patients who are craving sweets. There is a wide range of chewing gum flavors available on the market, and chewing them can help patients curb cravings for other high-calorie snacks that they might otherwise reach for. This, in turn, can indirectly make sugar-free chewing gum a diet aid without patients even realizing it! 

Fact or fiction: sugar-free gum eliminates the chances of cavities 

Chewing gum is no substitution for routine visits to the dentist’s office or brushing and flossing the teeth. Some labels on chewing gum may report that they fight against cavities, but this is not exactly true. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or AAPD, xylitol that is used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free chewing gum can help in reducing bacteria that remains on the teeth and the formation of plaque, which in turn can reduce one’s risk of cavities when chewed alongside proper oral health habits. 

Fact or fiction: sugar-free gum can address dry mouth 

Patients diagnosed with dry mouth may find that they have poor saliva production. In situations such as this, sugar-free chewing gum can be beneficial. It helps stimulate saliva flow in the mouth and can keep the mouth from drying out. Because it is sugar-free, it is not going to increase one’s risk of cavities, either! 

Do you have questions about your oral health? 

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits to taking care of the smile each and every day, contact the team at Golden Dental Solutions at 1218 Arapahoe Street in Golden, Colorado. Call (303) 277-9600 to request a visit with Drs. Nancy Gill, Dallas Kenson, and Evelyn Qi to discuss your oral healthcare needs. 

Posted in: Dental Health