How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile - Premier Family Dental - Blog (2024)

How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile - Premier Family Dental - Blog (1)There are many habits that people have that they perform without even thinking about it. Biting nails, playing with hair- both of these are examples of habits people do unconsciously. Another habit may be chewing gum. Chewing gum is a simple yet effective habit that can ease your stress, keep you occupied, or simply cure a simple sweet tooth. What you may not know, however, is that chewing gum could be good for your teeth!

Since ancient times, the Greeks, Mayans, and Native Americans all enjoyed in some form of gum chewing, and today in the 21st century, we are no different. With so many options of chewable delights to choose from, sometimes the options can be overwhelming, but they all work to deliver a healthier smile. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth, and that increase can neutralize and eliminate the acids and leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. This also leads to a lower risk of plaque and tartar buildup, as the bacteria will not have enough time to stay in your mouth and attach themselves to your teeth.

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least twenty minutes after eating a meal helps prevent tooth decay, which can really make a difference down the road in regards to your smile.

So the next time you put a piece of gum in your mouth, you will be able to relish in the fact that it is doing wonders for your smile! Be sure to get a gum that is sugar free, as we do not want to ruin your beautiful smile with harmful sugars!

Premier Family Dental provides quality dental care from our Waco dental office because we truly believe in the power of a beautiful smile. We serve patients from Robinson, Lorena, and the Central Texas area. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

by: Dr. Rick Cofer at .

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How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile - Premier Family Dental - Blog (2024)

FAQs

Does chewing gum improve smile? ›

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile.

How does chewing gum help with dental health? ›

Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay. American Dental Association Oral Health Topic: Forensic Dentistry and Anthropology.

Why does chewing gum make my teeth feel better? ›

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel. Both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate saliva flow.

Does chewing gum actually whiten teeth? ›

Many chewing gums claim to have a “whitening” effect. While these products cannot change the natural shade of your teeth, they may be able to reduce staining caused by drinking coffee or red wine, or smoking.

Does chewing gum keep your face from sagging? ›

Some believe it may help you get a chiseled jawline, reduce facial fat, or a double chin. However, there is no scientific research to support these claims. Chewing gum, as a type of facial exercise, might give your facial muscles a minor workout, but it is unlikely to create noticeable changes to your jawline.

Does chewing gum improve face structure? ›

“While chewing gum might strengthen the masseter muscles, it won't change the underlying bone structure or significantly reduce facial fat,” he said.

What happens when you chew gum everyday? ›

Constant chewing of anything, including gum, can lead to sore jaw muscles, headaches, and even TMJ disorder. Chewing gum overworks the temporomandibular joint, causing joint pain, soreness, discomfort, and even chronic headaches. Too much chewing can lead to TMJ disorder.

What are two benefits of chewing gum? ›

Chewing gum boosts blood flow to your brain, which may help improve your memory. Fighting sleepiness. If you feel tired, chew some gum to stay alert. Eliminating nausea.

What are the pros and cons of chewing gum? ›

The Pros & Cons of Chewing Gum
  • The Good: Freshen Breath & Fight Cavities. When you chew gum, it stimulates saliva production in your mouth. ...
  • The Bad: Chewing Gum May Loosen Dental Work. ...
  • The Ugly: Chewing Gum Can Lead to Tooth Decay.
Apr 12, 2019

What does chewing gum do to the face? ›

Chewing gum involves a lot of movement, so it can engage the muscles in your face and jaw. It primarily exercises the muscles involved in chewing and may contribute to overall muscle tone in that area. But chewing gum does not help to get rid of facial fat, says Dr Aggarwal.

Do dentists recommend chewing gum? ›

The answer is yes, if it is the right kind. Chewing gum can help prevent tooth decay, as long as you choose a sugarless gum. Chewing gum causes your mouth to produce more saliva, which helps neutralize and rinse away some of the acid that forms in your mouth when you break down food.

What is a good substitute for chewing gum? ›

"For those seeking alternatives to gum, breath mints or water infused with fresh fruits can serve as healthy substitutes."

Which gum is best for your teeth? ›

Xylitol Is Sweet for Your Teeth

Chewing gum is even more effective at preventing cavities if it contains a sugar replacement called Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that some studies have shown can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.

Does chewing gum restore enamel? ›

By helping us make more saliva, chewing sugar-free gum can also help to reduce this type of acid attack. It takes the saliva about an hour to replace the minerals that the enamel has lost.

Is chewing gum good for the brain? ›

Some studies have reported that chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain by 25-40%. Continuous chewing also activates your hippocampus, the part of your brain that's crucial to your memory and learning. Better concentration — Besides boosting your memory, chewing gum can also increase your focus and alertness.

Does chewing gum increase smile lines? ›

What's the link? While no studies have been done showing a correlation between chewing gum and wrinkles, experts say the repetitive motion of chewing causes lines and folds around the mouth due to "muscle overuse."

Does chewing gum make you attractive? ›

There may be some small incremental changes but eventually you will hit a wall of genetics. You also may find you develop jaw clenching issues from the repetitive motion. No scientific study has ever found gum to be an effective tool for producing a jawline.

Does chewing gum improve anything? ›

Chewing gum boosts blood flow to your brain, which may help improve your memory. Fighting sleepiness. If you feel tired, chew some gum to stay alert. Eliminating nausea.

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