Is Chewing Gum Good for Teeth? What Dentists Say

Are you wondering, "Is chewing gum good for teeth?" Think chewing gum is just a sugary habit? Think again.

Many people believe that chewing gum is bad for teeth. While there’s some truth to this statement, what if we told you that chewing the right kind of gum could actually benefit your teeth?

Gum is generally considered to be bad for health because of its sticky and sweet texture. However, not all gum is created equal, and some might help you maintain or improve your oral health.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we believe that having the right knowledge can help you make smarter decisions for your teeth, which is why we are constantly sharing important facts and useful tips about dental care through this blog. In this article, we dig deeper into the science behind chewing gum, how it affects your mouth, and whether it's good or bad for your teeth.

The Good: How Chewing Gum Helps Your Teeth

Before we start, let us clarify that sugar-free gum is particularly beneficial over sugary variants.

1. Increases Saliva Production

While chewing gum, your mouth produces more saliva than usual. That may help improve your dental health. Enhanced saliva production leads to:

• Neutralizing acids in your mouth

• Removing food particles and bacteria

• Providing natural minerals like calcium and phosphate to strengthen enamel

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after meals can help strengthen teeth and prevent decay.

2. Reduces Plaque

Accelerated saliva production reduces the chance for plaque to build up on your teeth. Plaque is one of the most common reasons for tooth decay. It’s a sticky film of bacteria that feeds on sugars and produces acids that attack enamel.

Chewing sugar-free gum daily, especially after meals, can help reduce plaque build-up and neutralize acid attacks.

3. Lowers Cavity Risks

Gums that contain xylitol, a natural sweetener, can prevent or reduce the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Unlike regular sugar, bacteria can't feed on xylitol as efficiently. Studies show that regular use of xylitol gum can reduce cavity problems by up to 75%.

The Bad: When Gum Is Harmful to Your Teeth

1. Gum with Sugar is Dangerous

While sugar-free gum is a friend to your teeth, sugary gum is not. When you chew gum that contains sugar, you’re practically inviting bacteria to form plaque by feeding on this sugar, which increases acid production, raising your risk of cavities and enamel damage.

Sugar-free gum or one containing xylitol is the only variety you should chew.

2. Can Trigger Jaw Pain or TMJ issues

Excessive gum chewing for long periods can put strain on your temporomandibular joints (TMJ), resulting in severe jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking sound.

It’s best to avoid chewing gum if you already suffer from a TMJ problem or teeth grinding (bruxism).

What is a Tooth-friendly Gum? What to look for when buying one

Not all gums are equally beneficial or harmful. Even some sugar-free gums can have side effects. Therefore, it’s important to be aware. Here are a few things you must consider when choosing a gum:

Look for gums that contain xylitol. Xylitol is one of the healthiest sugar alternatives, particularly for teeth.

ADA Seal of Acceptance: Gums that have been approved by the ADA can be considered safe and effective in reducing plaque acids and cavities.

Avoid flavored gyms, especially acidic flavors like citrus or sour ones, as they may affect enamel even if they’re sugar-free.

Best Times to Chew Gum

Timing is also important in ensuring maximum benefit from chewing gum. The best times to chew sugar-free gum include:

• Right after meals, to accelerate saliva production and neutralize more acids

• When you’re out and can't brush, it helps remove bad smell from your mouth

• After snacking, especially on sweets or carbohydrates

Do not treat bubble gum as a substitute for brushing and flossing. It may be a helpful addition to your teeth cleaning routine, but it cannot replace it.

Conclusion: Chewing Gum Can Be Good for Your Teeth, If You Do It Right!

So, is chewing gum good for your teeth? Yes, but it depends on how and when you do it. Chewing sugar-free gum in moderation at the right times can help produce more saliva, reduce plaque buildup, and may even lower the risk of cavities. Just make sure the gum contains xylitol.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we constantly encourage our patients to follow small habits to promote long-term oral health. If you’re looking for an easy way to maintain your dental health, chewing sugar-free gum after meals and between brushing routines might help.

If you’re still confused, feel free to contact our team to ask your dental questions or get personalized recommendations about routine cleanings and maintenance—we’re just a call away.

Looking for the top dentist to schedule a dental checkup? Call us today or book your appointment via our website.