The good points
Chewing gum may actually be good for your mental state. Studies have shown that chewing gum can help improve memory and alertness and can reduce stress. Many people use gum when they are trying to lose weight, because they feel gum reduces feelings of hunger. And, many people use gum to help them stop smoking. You will also be happy to learn that chewing gum does not, in fact, take 7 years to digest in your stomach – it is actually digested and out of the system within a few days.
As far as oral health, chewing sugarless gum can help to increase saliva in the mouth, which can help to wash bacteria and debris off of the teeth. Gum that contains xylitol can help to prevent tooth decay and bad breath.
The bad points
Some research has shown that there is a link between constant gum chewing and headaches in people who are prone to tension headaches and migraines. And, from the dental health perspective, there are also reasons not to chew gum. For one thing, if you chew gum with sugar in it, that means you are coating your teeth with sugar with every chew.
Chewing gum can also cause problems with the jaw muscles, such as TMJ. Millions of people suffer with TMJ, a disorder of the jaw that can cause headaches, earaches, and jaw pain. Constantly chewing gum can lead to the development of TMJ, but more often it just makes a jaw problem you already have worse, by overworking the jaw muscles and painfully tightening facial and neck muscles.
Can Your Dentist Tell If Chewing Gum Is Affecting Your Oral Health?
Chewing gum affects people differently depending on their dental health and jaw condition. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, Dr. Darren Greenhalgh can examine your teeth, assess your jaw movement, and check for signs of muscle tenderness or excessive tooth wear. If chewing gum appears to be aggravating your symptoms, he can recommend adjustments to your habits and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Everyday habits like chewing gum can lead to questions about what helps or harms oral health. The Dental Marketing Secrets Podcast explores how dental professionals share practical information with patients and communicate recommendations in ways that are easy to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chewing sugar-free gum good for your teeth?
Yes. Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Chewing it after meals may help reduce the risk of cavities.
Can chewing gum make TMJ pain worse?
Yes. Frequent gum chewing can strain the jaw muscles and aggravate existing temporomandibular disorders (TMD). People experiencing jaw pain or clicking may benefit from avoiding gum.
How long should you chew sugar-free gum after eating?
Chewing sugar-free gum for about 20 minutes after meals can help increase saliva flow and protect against tooth decay. However, it should not replace regular brushing, flossing, or dental checkups.
Chewing gum may be a hard habit to break, but if you are showing signs of TMJ, it is a good idea to try. Call Pacific Northwest Smiles today at 425-357-6400 for help with TMJ pain.