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TOP 9 QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT CHEWING GUM

August 25, 2021

1.Is chewing gum good for your oral health? 

Yes, chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for oral health. Saliva plays a significant role in preventing tooth decay, and chewing gum stimulates saliva production. 

2.Does teeth whitening gum work? 

Teeth whitening gum does not work in  the traditional way that many imagine. Though they don’t whiten your teeth, rather they reduce the formation of a certain type of teeth staining. This is usually eliminated by your dentist at the appointment. 

3.Does chewing gum clean your teeth after a meal?

The Oral Health Foundation has stated that chewing sugar free gum has been effective in picking up food particles after a meal. This is due to the sticky nature of  chewing gum. The saliva that is produced when chewing gum also aids in washing out any food that may be left behind.

4.Does chewing gum cause cavities? 

As long as you are chewing sugar free gum, there is no worry about getting cavities due to the gum itself. 

5.Can I chew gum after getting my wisdom teeth taken out? 

After you get your wisdom teeth taken out, there is post-op stiffness. This can resolve with time along with gentle jaw opening exercises and chewing gum. 

6.Can chewing gum ruin your teeth?

When you chew gum that isn’t sugar free, you are drowning your teeth in sugar which over time can lead to tooth decay and erosion. 

7.Can chewing gum lead to jaw problems?

Like any muscle in the body, excessive gum chewing can tire out your jaw muscles. This can lead to a condition called temporomandibular joints or TMD. It is ok to do it in moderation. 

8.Can chewing gum mess up a root canal?

Right after surgery, it is advised that you do not eat sticky, hard, or soft candy that can dislodge the tooth or fracture the tooth. 

9.What are the negative, long lasting effects of chewing gum?

*Teeth problems- including cavities, increased sensitivity, and TMD

*Stomach problems

*Migraines

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