The dispute is as ancient as time or, at the very least, as dental care. People have been chewing gum for ages. Today, we have progressed from basic tree sap or gum to the rubbery stuff we know today. Each brand’s composition varies, but all gums contain a combination of gums, resins, fillers, and softeners, while flavorings and sweeteners differ significantly. So, the question is: is chewing gum bad for your teeth? Our dentist Grand Junction shares below. 

Chewing Gum’s Effects on Your Teeth

Of course, you want to create good healthy dental habits since taking care of your teeth is essential. Dr. Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction, explains that chewing gum has benefits. These vary,  from stress reduction to memory enhancement. In addition, some people believe it might help you lose weight or quit smoking. On the other hand, chewing gum is a mixed bag when it comes to dental health.

Chewing Gum and Your Dental Health

Chewing gum may be both beneficial and detrimental to your teeth. It is determined by the sort of gum eaten. Regular sweet gum might be harmful to your teeth. The sugar used as a sweetener feeds microorganisms in your mouth, which can harm your teeth. On the other hand, Sugar-free gum can not only freshen your breath but may also enhance your oral health.

Advantages of Sugar-Free Gum

While any gum will provide fresh breath, sugar-free gum may assist in avoiding cavities. According to the American Dental Association, research suggests that eating sugar-free gum for twenty minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. The gum stimulates saliva production in your mouth, neutralizing acid and improving enamel. Also, our dentist in Grand Junction CO explains that the same saliva production lowers sensitivity in your teeth.

However, not all sugar-free gum is the same. Dr. Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport LA, explains that Xylitol-sweetened gums offer higher decay-fighting advantages than Sorbitol-sweetened gums. Sorbitol still forms some acidic waste byproducts, and cavity-forming bacteria can digest Sorbitol, which they cannot do with Xylitol. Even though Sorbitol is used to sweeten more gums, partly because it is less expensive, pick one enhanced with Xylitol if you want sugar-free gum.

Xylitol

You’ve probably heard of Xylitol, but what exactly is it? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally present in small amounts in several fruits and vegetables. It is a “natural” product created from plant fiber or trees such as birch. It is around the same size as granulated sugar but contains 40% fewer calories. It does not elevate blood sugar or induce spikes in blood sugar since it has a low glycemic index. It works by “starving” the harmful bacteria in your mouth, lowering cavities. It prevents the formation of streptococcus, the primary bacterium responsible for plaque accumulation and gum disease.

There is sugar-free gum sweetened with Xylitol that is widely accessible. Xylitol is a plant-based byproduct present in trace amounts in the human body. Unlike previous artificial sweeteners, there are no health hazards linked with its intake. The side effects of using Xylitol are mild but may include minor stomach troubles if ingested in excess. There appear to be no detrimental side effects from long-term usage.