It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that your child has good oral practices, but what about chewing gum? Is it just harmless fun, or is it causing damage to their teeth? It’s more complicated than a simple yes/no response. In fact, certain gums can improve dental health, while others might lead to cavities and other issues.
What Types of Gums Can be Beneficial?
Some parents may be surprised to learn that sugar-free chewing gum is good for their child’s teeth, especially if they chew it at certain times. Many dentists support sugar-free gum for the following reasons:
- The biggest advantage is that it stimulates the production of saliva! In general, chewing encourages saliva to flow through your mouth, which is your body’s natural defense against dental decay.
- It is especially beneficial to chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals and snacks. The peak of acid assaults on tooth enamel occurs at this time. Increased salivation helps in the rapid neutralization of these acids and the removal of food particles before they have a chance to do significant damage.
Sugary Gum is a Bad Idea!
It should not be surprising. Any sugar-containing gum is bad for your child’s health. Here’s why:
- Feeds Bacteria That Cause Decay: The bacteria in plaque are fed by the gum’s sugar, and they subsequently create acids that erode tooth enamel.
- Extended Acid Exposure: Chewing sweet gum exposes your child’s teeth to sugar and acid for a longer amount of time, which greatly raises the risk of cavities.
Other Things to Think About Outside of Cavities
When it comes to children and chewing gum, there are a few more factors to take into account, apart from cavity risk:
- Orthodontics: Chewing gum is often discouraged if your child has braces. It can quickly become lodged in wires and brackets, making cleaning challenging and perhaps damaging the braces.
- Age Appropriateness: In general, dentists advise against introducing chewing gum to children until they are at least 4 years old. This is due to the possibility that toddlers might choke on the gum or inadvertently ingest it. Make sure your youngster is aware that gum should not be swallowed.
- Digestive Problems: Some sugar alcohols might upset stomachs in sensitive people or have a laxative effect if taken in excess.
- TMJ Problems: Even though it is less frequent in children, heavy or continuous chewing can occasionally lead to jaw muscle fatigue or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems in certain people.
Wrapping Up!
Sugary gums can not only cause cavities, but also other health concerns. Remember, regardless of whether you decide to let your child chew gum, be sure that it doesn’t replace other beneficial routines like flossing and twice-daily brushing!
The greatest method to keep your child’s smile looking its best while preventing cavities and tooth decay is to maintain a regular dental schedule. For further queries and consultation, visit our expert dentist, Dr. Dean, at KC Kids Dental. Call us at (816) 670-3450 to book your appointment.
