Chewing gum is one of the world’s most popular candy that is loved by young and old alike. Chewing gum has become a habit that many people have adopted in their daily lives, to freshen their breath, clean their mouths after meals, among other reasons.

However, doing it too often and without proper hygiene brings with it different consequences for our teeth, because apart from being sweet, it sticks to the tooth, particularly in the areas where there is more depth, making it more complicated to reach with the toothbrush.

In this opportunity, Claudia Paredes, dentist of the Ricardo Palma Clinic, tells us about the consequences that this sweet brings to our teeth.

Consequences of chewing gum

Chewing gum has different consequences for our teeth and these are the following:

• Causes cavities: If gum is chewed and not properly cleaned, cavities will occur due to the sugar it contains.
• It places teeth at risk after eating them because it lowers the pH: The pH protects our teeth from cavities, but after ingesting food, the pH drops, leaving the teeth more easily exposed to cavities.
• They are not made for health reasons: Chewing gums are made for entertainment and to have something sweet in the mouth.
• May affect the jaw: If too much gum is chewed, there may be wear and tear on the joints.

However, despite the above, there is a healthier alternative for those who can’t give up this sweet treat: sugarless gum. This option can bring some benefits, as studies conducted by the ADA (American Dental Association) have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can prevent cavities, in addition to strengthening tooth enamel.

Do not fail to follow the following recommendations if you continue with the consumption of sugar chewing gum:

1. Be careful with the frequency of consumption.
2. The recommended time for chewing gum is 15 to 30 minutes, maximum.
3. Preferably consume sugarless chewing gum. This is to prevent the formation of cavities.
4. To have a good cleaning after chewing gum.

Finally, remember that the odontologists controls are of paramount importance to prevent any oral damage due to the consumption of sweets like chewing gum.

Claudia Paredes
Dentist at Clínica Ricardo Palma