To Chew Or Not To Chew Gum ?

Chewing gum is loved by children and adults alike.  It helps to relieve tension, cleans the teeth of debris, and freshens breath. It is recommended to chew sugar - free gum after a meal, as it increases the pH level in the mouth and thus prevents the formation of tooth decay. What are the other positives and negatives of chewing gum?

The history of chewing gum dates back to antiquity. Our ancestors - the ancient inhabitants of Asia and Indonesia and the Amercian Indians used resin from the bark of the Pistacia lentiscus gum tree to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. In America, white settlers also became interested in this type of resin, and in the18th century, a large number of this product was used as chewing gum extract. The father of chewing gum is the American John Curtis.  In the mid nineteenth century his "Pure Maine Spruce Gum " apppeared on the market, which resembled the well- known chewing gum. Over time - in order to reach customers - this product was increasingly improved and made more atractive in taste and smell with the help of fruit extracts and essences. The method of making chewing gum became standard by William and Sample in 1869.

Only sugar- free gum has positive properties, due to substances such as sorbitol which is responsible for maintaining moisture in the mouth, and has a cooling and refreshing effect. However, it should be remembered that sorbitol stimulates the intestines, and too high a dose of sorbitol can cause diarrhea.  It also protects against a decrease in the pH of the tooth enamel below 5.5. The second substance xylitol prevents the formation of caries and has a bacteriostatic effect. If we are unable to brush our teeth after a meal, it is worth reaching for sugar - free gum. Chewing gum stimulates the secretion of saliva, which neutralizes the acids formed in the oral cavity and rinses away food residue. In addition, these sweeteners have a slight antibacterial effect.  

Let's remember, that everything has its limits. In order to have a positive effect on oral hygiene we must follow these rules :- it should not be chewed for more than 10 to 15 minutes. This sufficient time to restore the neutral pH of the oral cavity. Doctors warn againt chewing for too long, as it may unaturally burden the temporomandibular joint. In addition, hypertrophy of the masseter muscles caused by chewing gum can cause bruxism which is a condition that can cause damage to the enamel because of  teeth grinding at night or in the day. This may require TMJ treatment.  Night Guards are useful and beneficial to help protect the teeth and jaw joints. 

In summary, chewing sugar- free gum has the following benefits:  stimulation of saliva which strengthens the natural defense mechanism againts caries, blocks the destruction of enamel by acid, remineralizes the tooth surface, has a bactericidal effect, can calm us down, reduce appetite, help to quit smoking, and can freshen breath. There are even patents for chewing gums with a polishing and tartar - cleaning effect  that can destroy microbes in the mouth. The use of chewing gum is helpful in everyday dental care, but by no means is it a subsitute for brushing and flossing daily in the morning and evening. To make an appointment for Restorative, Cosmetic, Preventive  , TMJ care,  or any other Dental service, visit us at - Davidson Dental Group.