Pediatric Dentistry: Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad?

The sweetness and chewy texture of bubble gum can be irresistible for many kids. Aside from the sweet taste, blowing bubble adds to the fun element of it and that is what children love to do! However, parent must be concerned not only to the type of gum their kids chew, but also how often they do it.

Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad?
Bubble gum is usually made from gum base, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, colorings and softeners. It is only meant to be chewed and not swallowed. Gums cannot be digested by our bodies but that does not mean that it will stick to your intestine and block the food you eat and make you sick. Ever heard that story too?

Swallowing bubble gum won’t make you sick. It will just come through your body’s elimination system. But it’s best to spit it out when the flavour has gone or when you are through with it.

But when it comes to your child’s teeth, chewing gum has both positive and negative effects. Sweetened gums, like most bubble-producing products you see in the grocery, can cause dental caries by reacting with the bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids. Gums sweetened with sugar can cause damage because it can get pressed against your kid’s teeth for long periods of time than candy.

Yet, chewing is good for your teeth. It promotes production of saliva that can help neutralize the acid causing tooth decay, while washing away food particle that got stuck around your gums and teeth. Acid can break down tooth enamel that creates the conditions for decay. Increase in saliva flow bring more phosphate and calcium to help strength your child’s teeth. Clinical studies have revealed that chewing sugarless gum following meals can help prevent tooth decay.

But these benefits cannot outweigh the disadvantages of chewing sugary gums. When they are chewing sugar-filled gums, they’re doing more harm to their teeth than good. If they keep chewing after it has lost its taste, it may be beneficial but it’s unlikely for kids to keep chewing flavorless gum when there’s fresh ones nearby.

Consider Sugar-free Gum
One option is sugar-free gum. Without the sugar, the bacteria in your child’s mouth will not produce enamel-eroding acid and the increase in saliva flow can help prevent cavities. Bad breath and dry mouth are often due to reduced saliva flow. Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce the symptoms of bad breath and dry mouth.

There will be occasions when your child sneak for sugar-filled gums instead of xylitol gums. When this happens, explain to your child the danger of chewing sweetened gums and offer to exchange them for xylitol-sweetened gum. Another way to reduce the effects of chewing gum is by encouraging them to brush their teeth.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.
 
Schedule an appointment as http://bellevuekidsdentistry.com/.
 

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