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Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?

  • December 5, 2018
  • 4:00 pm
  • Dental Education, FAQ
  • Chewing Gum, Dental Care, Dental Health, Tooth Decay

We’ve all been there: You’re about to go in for a job interview or a first date, but your breath smells. What should you do? Just chew some minty gum and you’re good to go, right? Maybe not. Recently, chewing gum has become a point of contention. Is chewing gum actually bad for your teeth? Let’s find out.

Is Gum Bad for My Teeth?

Let’s cut to the chase, is chewing gum bad for your oral health? In short, the answer is no. As long as you’re not chewing on sugary gum, the opposite is actually true. Many types of chewing gum are actually good for your teeth. How? Let’s dive a little deeper.

Chewing Gum Helps Produce Saliva

Did you know that your saliva is extremely important for your oral health? Saliva helps to keep your teeth clean and wash out particles that may be stuck from meals. Gum is great at getting your mouth to produce saliva. Chewing gum after meals is especially beneficial.

Chewing Gum is a Workout for Your Jaw

You may think that chewing gum too much can cause jaw pain. If you have TMJ or are at risk of developing it, this might be the case. Otherwise, this shouldn’t be a problem. Your jaw, just like any other muscle, benefits from exercise. Chewing gum helps to give your jaw regular exercise, helping to strengthen it.

Xylitol Can Help with Tooth Decay

A common ingredient in sugar-free gum is xylitol. Xylitol is used to naturally sweeten the gum. Xylitol not only makes your gum more flavorful, it also helps to fight cavity-causing bacterias. Look for gums that have xylitol listed in the ingredients when you’re choosing a pack from the store.

You Can Chew Enamel-Strengthening Gum

We’ve mentioned how important enamel, the outer layer of your teeth, is before. There are actually some types of gum available that are formulated to help strengthen tooth enamel. If you really want to help your teeth, seek this type of gum out.

Choose Parkcrest Dental Group as Your Dentist in Springfield, MO

Keep in mind, as with anything, gum is best chewed in moderation. If you have more questions about chewing gum, you can always ask your dentist at Parkcrest Dental Group. Remember, chewing gum is not a replacement for your typical oral health routine, make sure you’re still brushing and flossing twice a day. For more information about Parkcrest Dental Group and to schedule an appointment with us, contact us today.

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Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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