Dentist-approved habit or hidden culprit?
But is it actually helping your oral healthor could it be quietly sabotagingyour smile?
Negatives of Chewing Gum
Lets start with the not-so-sweet side.
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Chewing gum all the time might put extra strain on your jaw, she says.
Its also important to note that it may pose additional challenges for those with braces or recent dental work.
Youre basically bathing your teeth in candy, Dr. Austin says.
But even some sugar-free options have the potential to cause issues.
There was also a verysmall, recently published studythat found chewing gum sheds microplastics into saliva.
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Despite the concerns and downsides, gum isnt all bad.
In fact, dentists say that when used correctly, itcanhelp your oral health.
Chewing sugar-free gum can actually be a helpful way to protect your teeth from cavities, says Dr. Boling.
So, Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for You?
Like many things in health, the answer lies in finding a proper balance.
Gum is your backup dancer, not your headliner, Dr. Austin says.
All of our experts agree on one thing: Gosugar-freeand look for options with xylitol.
I stick with sugar-free gum with xylitol, says Kunik.
It keeps my mouth feeling fresh and helps fightdry mouthwhen I am on the go.
So dont ditch your favorite pack just yet.
