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Home Patient Info Dental Blog Does Chewing Gum Damage Your Teeth?

Does Chewing Gum Damage Your Teeth?


Posted on 1/9/2023 by Lemond Hunter
Does Chewing Gum Damage Your Teeth?People will give varying answers when asked whether chewing gum is beneficial or detrimental for your health. The effects of chewing gum on both the mouth and body need to be explored in several different ways.

Effects of Chewing Gum


Whether or not gum contains sugar, most chewing gum is made with artificial sweeteners that are bad for you. Foods like candy and potato chips are more likely to be consumed by chewing gum users than healthy foods. Tooth decay is caused by eating unhealthy foods. When gum is sweetened with sugar, it can cause cavities and erosion. When you eat sweet gum, you are practically showering your teeth in sugar. Let's focus a little more on chewing gum's unique health impacts now that we have a basic understanding of the facts and statistics around it.

TMJ


The jawbone's connection to the skull is referred to as the TMJ joint. Disorders of the TMJ are caused by overworked or imbalanced muscles in this joint. Regular gum chewers may develop muscular fatigue, which might increase their chance of developing TMJ problems. The TMJ area is subjected to more stress from forceful gum chewing and asymmetrical chewing which increases the risk of TMJ illnesses.

Tooth Deformities


If done often, chewing gum can potentially cause damage to the enamel and possibly alter the alignment of your bite. While the lower molars may drift and broaden, the upper molars may enlarge, and overbite may result. If these habits are not corrected, they may eventually call for orthodontic treatment. Additionally, when the enamel erodes, your teeth may start to feel acidic or cold or hot meals and drinks.

Headaches


The excessive chewing of gum has been linked to headaches among high school students and younger chewers. Jaw muscles that are drained are to blame. When preparing to take an exam or when they are feeling stressed, students frequently chew gum to help them relax. Tension headaches are a common side effect of stress, which makes you chew more quickly and forcefully.

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Hunter Dental Care, 1739 NE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97230-1914 ~ (503) 256-3737 ~ hunterdentalcare.com ~ 9/29/2024 ~ Tags: dentist Portland OR ~