Chewing gum: is it good or bad for dental health?

6 Sep 2022 | Curiosities

Chewing gum Yes or chewing gum no?

The answer is. It depends!

In fact, everything depends on by the type of gum chewed: if we choose a gum rich in sugar the consequences for the teeth can be very negative.

As we know. sugar is one of the main enemies of teeth (and health in general, if consumed in excess): the use of this type of gum can therefore Increase the risk of tooth decay and tooth problems.

The situation changes if we choose sugar-free chewing gum That, indeed, Can help oral health: the rubber activates saliva in the mouth Which, in turn, Neutralizes acid and strengthens enamel; saliva production also reduces the tooth sensitivity.

This does not mean that chewing gum is completely harmless: chew too much (several hours every day) can cause a set of problems such as headaches, excessive tooth enamel wear, changes in bite alignment, or tempromandibular joint disorders.

The advice then is to use sugar-free gum (especially if we have eaten out of the house and have no toothbrush and toothpaste available) but to don't abuse it, and to prefer those with Xylitol, an ingredient with anti-caries properties.

[Medical Director: Dr. Mauro Savio, Member of the Dentists Register Provincial Order of Surgeons and Dentists of Milan n. 4168].

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