Certain topics that come up in regard to your smile can immediately cause confusion. What you want in many instances is simply to be able to determine that something is okay for you or not okay. However, when the category is gum chewing, there are too many subtle nuances involved to classify it as a strictly black-and-white issue. The good news? When you learn just a little bit about how to chew gum in a way that is beneficial, you’ll carry that education with you for life and will know how to proceed, while keeping your oral health safe. It takes just a quick jolt of new knowledge from our Grand Prairie, TX team!
Sugary Gum Should Always Be Avoided
You should never chew gum that contains sugar. Ever! Why? Well, because of all things to do to your teeth for an extended period of time, smashing sugar against them is on the bottom of the list. Keep your smile safe by avoiding long-term exposure to sugar!
Sugarless Gum Is Beneficial
On the flip side of things, you may be surprised to learn that sugarless gum is actually good for your oral health. So good, in fact, that we often suggest that you include it in your day to day life. After you eat a quick snack, a meal, or if you’re just sitting around wanting something sweet, a stick of sugarless gum can do the following:
- Remove bits of food from your smile
- Cause you to salivate, which helps flush your mouth and remove bacteria
- Freshen your breath
Too Much Gum Chewing Can Exacerbate Problems
If your oral health is completely on track, then occasional gum chewing (chewing it for a period of around 20 minutes a couple times a day or so) won’t be a problem for you. However, if you are having any type of issue with functional disorders like bruxism or TMJ disorder, then you should probably decide to steer clear of gum. Why? Well, when your function is in need of some help (come see us for treatment), you’re dealing with overworked, often exhausted and strained tissues. You don’t want to make matters worse by forcing your smile to work overtime by chewing without stop for minutes on end. Skip the gum if these types of concerns are affecting you!
Protect Your Smile With New Knowledge
Keep in mind that we are always here to provide you with an infusion of new knowledge in regard to dental care! When you follow through with your twice-annual visits, you have time to ask us all sorts of questions! Set up an appointment in Grand Prairie, TX by contacting your dentist at Pecan Tree Dental to schedule a visit at (972) 262-5111.
