Chewing Gum Teaser

Is Chewing Sugar-Free Gum Good For My Child’s Teeth?

Jun 9, 2022

Many parents are worried about the health of their children’s teeth, and we’re all being told to chew gum to keep teeth clean. But is chewing sugar-free gum good for your child’s teeth? It depends. While brushing for two minutes twice a day is still the best way to prevent cavities, studies show that chewing sugarless gum in between meals has helped decrease the number of treatments a child will require at the dentist.

There is, however, a lot of debate out there about whether or not sugar-free gum is bad for your child’s teeth. Some people say that it can cause tooth decay, while others claim that it’s actually good for the teeth. So, what’s the truth?

Well, there is some evidence that sugar-free gum can indeed cause tooth decay. This is because the bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugarless sweeteners in the gum and produce acids that can damage the teeth. However, it’s important to note that this is only a problem if your child is constantly chewing gum – if they only chew it occasionally, there is no risk of tooth decay.

Many parents are unaware of the benefits of chewing sugar-free gum for their child’s oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help to remove plaque and food debris from teeth, as well as reduce the risk of cavities. The act of chewing also stimulates saliva production, which helps to protect teeth against decay.

Here are some other ways that chewing sugarless gum can actually be good for your kids:

  • Not only is chewing sugarless gum good for your teeth, but as an added bonus, it can help aid in your child’s digestion. Popping a piece of gum within 30 minutes of finishing a meal can help reduce acid reflux in your kids.

  • Have your child grab a piece of sugar-free gum to kill the bacteria in their mouth. According to Medical Daily, one piece of sugar-free gum that is chewed for 10 minutes can kill 100 million bacteria in the mouth! Wow!

  • When looking for a pack of sugar-free gum, make sure to buy one that contains Xylitol. Xylitol is an all natural ingredient that comes from fruits, vegetables and plants, and has been known to decrease the quantity of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Less bacteria=less cavities=less money spent at the dentist!

Want to discuss this more? Give us a call to schedule your little one an appointment today. We offer a caring and compassionate approach to pediatric dentistry, ensuring our patients are comfortable at all times.