Gum Chewing – Good Or Bad For Teeth?

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

There are pros and cons for chewing gum with no real determination if it is good or bad for your teeth and health. There are some health benefits from chewing gum, but there are also some health factors that gum can worsen or cause. To decide if it is a good choice for you, it is important to consider all the aspects.

The benefits of chewing gum include appetite suppression to avoid eating something sweet. By reducing sugar intake the teeth are less prone to cavities and damage. Other benefits of decreasing sugar intake include  better control over health concerns, weight loss, and replacing those foods with healthier ones.

Some studies have even shown that chewing gum boosts the metabolic rate and can assist in burning increased calories throughout the day.

Xylitol

Chewing gum increases the saliva production which aids in reducing residue on teeth and helps keep teeth and gums free of food particles and germs. Gum with xylitol has been shown to reduce the growth of germs within the mouth by up to 75 percent.

By aiding in avoiding dry mouth it can help reduce cavities. Sugar-free gum can aid in quitting other bad habits and has been shown to help people quit smoking, by providing a distraction from the habit.

Reduce stress with chewing gum

Studies have shown that chewing gum can offer something to focus on that eases nerves and helps fight effects of stress on the body - a stress reliever much like a stress ball or other activities.

While chewing gum some brain functions may be increased including short  and long-term memory, decision making, and alertness. Studies have discovered that students show fewer signs of stress, and that the memory boost can help with studying. Chewing gum is also related to the production or cortisol, reducing the stress felt by the body.

Some of the risks that occur when chewing gum include TMD, where the jaw becomes sore and can affect the jaw joint. There have also been links discovered between chewing gum and an increase in headaches. Those who suffer from regular headaches or migraines may want to avoid chewing gum too often if it causes headaches for them.

Chewing gum also has several health benefits, but as with many other things there are some risks that occur and the chance it can make some things worse.

It may help to protect teeth from cavities and help to rinse away food and sugar particles after eating, as well as decreasing dry mouth, however, it may cause increased headaches or pain in the muscles and joints in the jaw.

When used in moderation it can be a great way to increase saliva and freshen breath after meals.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels