Chewing gum is not as harmless as it looks. NET PHOTO
Chewing gum is often considered harmless, and some even believe it is good for your teeth. However, there are potential risks that come with regular gum chewing, especially for your jaw and teeth.
The movement of your jaw happens at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), located in front of each ear and supported by a network of muscles.
These muscles work together to allow chewing and side-to-side jaw movements.
Unlike chewing food, which breaks down into smaller pieces that can be easily swallowed, gum chewing is continuous and falls outside the body’s normal chewing function.
This repetitive, non-nutritive activity can put excessive stress on the TMJs, surrounding muscles, and teeth. Over time, this may lead to problems such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds in the joints, headaches, or even tooth fractures.
People who already have temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are particularly vulnerable and should avoid chewing gum altogether. For others, limiting gum chewing to less than 15 minutes a day may help avoid issues.
The role of sugar in gum
Chewing gum became popular in the mid-1800s, and manufacturers soon discovered that adding sugar and flavouring made it more appealing. But by the 1950s, it became clear that sugar in gum contributed to tooth decay.
When sugar is consumed, bacteria in the mouth break it down into acid, which wears away tooth enamel and creates cavities. If left untreated, this decay can reach deeper tooth layers and eventually require procedures such as root canals.
To counter this, many gums today are sugar-free and use alternative sweeteners such as aspartame, stevia, xylitol, and sorbitol, which do not promote tooth decay.
Sugar-free gum can even help stimulate saliva production, which assists in washing away food particles and neutralising acids in the mouth. Still, chewing gum should never replace proper oral hygiene practices such as brushing after meals and flossing daily.
Gum and dry mouth
For people experiencing dry mouth, chewing gum may offer temporary relief by increasing saliva flow. However, this is not the only or best solution.
Regular sips of water throughout the day can be just as effective, and in some cases, medications may be prescribed to stimulate natural saliva production.
However, anyone experiencing jaw discomfort, clicking, popping, or diagnosed with TMJ dysfunction should avoid gum completely. If such symptoms begin to appear, it is important to consult a dentist to assess the condition.
