The Truth About Chewing Gum

Chewing gum is a popular activity for people of all ages.  While chewing gum may be fun and a good way to kill time or stave off boredom, is it a healthy activity for your oral health?

Chewing Gum is Full of Sugar, Chemicals, and Artificial Sweeteners that Lead to Tooth Decay

Probably the number one reason to avoid most chewing gums is that they are loaded with chemical and synthetic ingredients. 

It is surprising how some caregivers who would never dream of giving a child a diet soda don’t think twice about doling out sugarless gum with similar neurotoxic sweeteners.

Sugared gums can with heavy use cause tooth decay, gum disease and cavities. This happens because sugar coats the teeth, and can slowly cause damaging of tooth enamel if they are not immediately brushed. To reduce harmful effects of sugared gums, seek out gum brands that use smaller quantities of sugar.

Chewing Gum Contributes to the Development of TMJ and Other Jaw Problems

Oral surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas contend that too much gum chewing causes jaw stress.  Dr. Sinn, a UT Southwestern oral surgeon, warns that jaw soreness, jaw “clicking” or pain in the jaw, head, or neck can be signs of TMJ syndrome and that gum chewing should be discontinued should such symptoms emerge.

Given that gum chewing is commonly used to relieve stress, Dr. Sinn suggests other methods for reducing tension such as squeezing a ball, relaxation techniques or regular exercise to avoid the risk of chronic jaw problems. If you think you may suffer from TMJ, contact your dentist for an exam.

Chewing Gum Releases Mercury from Amalgam Fillings

Probably the most important reason to abstain from chewing gum is that it releases mercury from dental amalgam fillings.  A Swedish study found that people with silver fillings who chew gum for 5 hours or more each day had significantly higher levels of mercury in their blood and urine than those people with silver fillings who chewed gum infrequently.

Mercury levels in the blood, urine, and breath at exhalation increased in proportion to the number of silver fillings each study participant had.

Given that mercury is neurotoxic in any amounts in the body, it seems that chewing gum is an activity that should be undertaken with extreme caution if one has even a single silver filling.

Skip the Gum if Pregnant with Silver Fillings

For pregnant women with silver fillings, chewing gum can prove toxic to the fetus if mercury is released into the bloodstream.  Many pregnant women chew gum to help relieve heartburn or indigestion and yet the dangers of this activity if one has dental amalgams are not readily provided at prenatal visits even though mercury easily crosses the placenta.

In some circumstances such as these, chewing gum can be therapeutic. In most cases, though, it should be avoided as an activity that really is not very health promoting.

Irregular development of facial muscles

Extensive chewing of gum in puberty may lead to the stimulation of jawbone and facial muscles and creation of larger face.

For more information about oral health call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., today at (800) 223-0801.