Gum… friend or foe? On the one hand, some dental professionals say to avoid it because it can cause TMJ issues [1], on the other, most gums now have ingredients that are beneficial to the teeth like xylitol. What gives! Let’s explore why gum tends to fall more in the gray area than the black or white.
This is the big question, and the answer looks a little different for everyone. First, it’s important to note that gum itself is not inherently bad. It’s the sugar and the aggressive chewing that is. When gum is laden with sugar and people chew it all day, it can cause cavities. When a person has TMD, a disorder of the jaw joint, chewing gum all day can exacerbate jaw pain and overwork the muscles of the jaw and neck.
However, if a patient has xerostomia (dry mouth), chewing gum can help stimulate salivary flow [2] which is a good thing and can decrease their susceptibility to cavities.
First thing is first, stay away from sugary gum. Unfortunately, this rules out Hubba-Bubba and gum pouches that look like chewing tobacco! Don’t worry. Gum can still taste great and be good for your teeth and that is because of xylitol.
Xylitol is amazing and is now included in many dental products including chewing gum. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that tastes sweet (but has no sugar), and effectively reduces harmful bacteria in the oral cavity [3]. The bacteria-reducing properties of xylitol combined with the saliva-producing properties of gum make it a perfect option for patients with dry mouths or those unable to brush or floss between meals.
The optimal time to chew gum is after a meal as it stimulates salivary production and can clean food out of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. However, one must be mindful of not over-chewing gum as it can lead to TMJ fatigue [1] and potentially GI upset if one consumes too much xylitol [4]. Sugar-free mints can be a great option for those who have dry mouths but are prone to TMJ discomfort.
Gum can be a great way to fight cavities, freshen your breath, and increase saliva production if you have a dry mouth. Just be sure it’s sugar-free, has xylitol, and that you don’t chew too much.
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