A Wad of Bubble-Licious Gum and Tooth Decay

Sugar is the main suspect when it comes to tooth decay, but since sugar-free gum has been developed, does that mean it's safe and beneficial to dental hygiene? People may have different opinions, but there is only one sure way to drill down to the truth: research.

Chewing gum is made of artificially produced materials like elastomeres, waxes, and resins, mixed with sugary goodness and artificial flavoring to give it a twist. Some gums, however, are made sugar-free by using ingredients like Xylitol to give it a sweet zing.

According to the American Dental Association, chewing a gum after meals can help prevent tooth decay as chewing helps increase the flow of saliva, which is good not only for digestion but for dental hygiene, too. Saliva helps neutralize acids from foods, and breakdowns plaque on teeth. Gums with Recaldent, which is made of the milk protein casein, calcium and phosphate, also help release calcium and phosphate which enters the enamel and rebuilds it. There are also specially made chewing gums that could re-mineralize teeth and prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.

With the many perks of chewing gum, it would seem that so long as they're sugar-free, they are also teeth friendly. However, there is such a thing as keeping things in moderation. According to studies, chewing too much bubble-licious gum could cause mouth disorders like clicking and popping noises on the jaws.