Dental Hygiene Matters
Is gum good or bad for oral health? It depends - find out why!
6/23/25, 10:00 PM
Many people chew gum every day, but few stop to think about how it affects their teeth. Is it helping your smile or quietly causing harm? The answer depends on the kind of gum you choose. Read to find out!
Is Gum Good or Bad for Oral Health?
When it comes to chewing gum, opinions are often mixed — some say it’s a bad habit, while others claim it helps keep your mouth clean. So, what’s the truth? The answer depends on the type of gum you choose and how you use it.
Sugar-free gum can actually be good for your oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps increase saliva production, which plays a major role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids that can cause tooth decay. Some sugar-free gums even contain ingredients like xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria.
On the other hand, gum that contains sugar can be harmful to your teeth. The sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that weaken your tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
It’s also important to chew gum in moderation. Excessive gum chewing can lead to jaw discomfort or problems like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
In short, chewing sugar-free gum in moderation, especially after meals, can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine — but sugary gum should be avoided to protect your teeth.