Lately, I have been asked this question by many parents. Therefore to get straight to the point, chewing gum is not a bad habit! However, too much of anything can lead to its abuse, which is definitely not good.
Studies have suggested that chewing gum stimulates salivary flow and inhibits bacterial activities that cause tooth decay. Chewing gum right after your meal can be considered a good habit, as in addition to protecting from tooth decay; this can help reduce that pungent mouth odour after a meal.
Dentists would not recommend chewing gum for:
- Those who have bad TMJ problems, so that one doesn’t aggravate their problems further
- Those who experience muscle fatigue or jaw joint pain from chewing
- Young children, who might choke themselves with wad of gum
- Those who get headaches due to the stress of chewing
You ought to pick a sugarless gum, that's a no brainer. In fact, gum with Xylitol has proven to be particularly beneficial. Here is a link to a research article for further reading – talking on the “Policy on the Use of Xylitol in Caries Prevention”. However if your chewing gum contains sugar, it should be chewed for at least 15 to 20 minutes, as only after this time, the sugar is gone, but the saliva is sufficiently stimulated to rinse away some of the sugar residue.
You may be able to spot some chewing gums containing fluorides, which can be a good thing for kids or adults who are prone to high cariogenic (caries forming) activities. However, you are advised to consult your dentist on this before starting to consume fluoride contacting chewing gums.
Be informed and remember not to give Xylitol to dogs, it can be lethal for them.
About the author:
Dr. Payal Chaudhuri B.D.S., M.D.S.
The author of this article is a Registered Dental Practitioner in India.
She is also associated with a Dental College in Gurgaon, India.
E-mail: dr.payal@hotmail.com
1 comment:
thank u! this confirms my understanding.
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