Is Gum Chewing Good or Bad?

Chewing the right gum can fight cavities.

Sugarless Gum Can Be Good

Chewing gum can give you better breath. In addition, the saliva that gum stimulates helps keep your teeth clean, as long as you chew sugarless gum. Sugar-free gum cuts down on cavities, states Dr. Thomas P. Connelly in the Huffington Post. Gums containing Xylitol reduce cavities and plaque. Chewing sugarless gum might help to prevent cavities when you cannot brush your teeth, but you should not use chewing gum as a substitute for brushing your teeth when your toothbrush is available, says Connelly.

Gum Could Be Bad

Some people have mouth or jaw trouble from too much gum chewing. Gum chewing can cause wear and tear of cartilage and tightness of the muscles near your temples, according to the Dr. Ben Kim website. Also, gum with sugar can cause cavities. Sugar can contribute to chronic problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Gum with aspartame can cause cancer, diabetes, birth defects and neurological disorders.

Bottom Line

While chewing sugarless gum may help prevent cavities, gum with sugar will have the opposite affect. Check the ingredients before you chew gum, and avoid over-chewing.

References

• The Huffington Post: Mouth Health
• Dr. Ben Kim: Why Chewing Gum Is Bad For Your Health