Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for Your Teeth?

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We’ve all had that craving before that only a good piece of chewing or bubble gum could satisfy. The question is, from a dental hygiene and oral health perspective, is chewing gum good or bad for your teeth?

The answer, surprisingly, is both because it depends on the kind of gum you are chewing.

So what different types of chewing gum are there?

For the sake of this article, we’re going to break chewing gum down into three categories based on how the gum is sweetened:

  • Chewing gum that is sweetened with sugar
  • Chewing gum that is sweetened with artificial sweeteners
  • Chewing gum that is sweetened with sugar alcohols

While the type of gum you chew probably isn’t very high on your priority decision list, it can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health and well-being.

Sugar-sweetened chewing gum

gum-squareThe first (and probably most common) type of chewing gum is gum sweetened with sugar. While this type of gum certainly tastes good (no one can deny that), it can wreak havoc on your teeth.

In simple terms, chewing gum that is sweetened with sugar effectively brings a feast into your mouth for bacteria. That’s why sugar is considered “bad” for your teeth. The bacteria in your mouth simply love sugar, and over time the sugar feeds the bacteria, causing damage to your tooth enamel and gums.

The bottom line is this: stay away from chewing gum that is sweetened with sugar if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

Artificially-sweetened chewing gum

Just like diet soda manufacturers use artificial sweeteners to sweeten their beverages, chewing gum manufacturers do the same. While artificially-sweetened chewing gum can have some benefits (such as restoring the pH balance in your mouth after eating or drinking), all in all, this isn’t the best gum for you to chew on a consistent basis.

Chewing gum sweetened with sugar alcohol

gum-2-squareIf you are a frequent gum chewer, then the clear winner of the chewing gum war, from a dental hygiene perspective, is gum sweetened with sugar alcohols (most commonly Xylitol).

When you choose gum sweetened with Xylitol, you get the pH balance benefits we mentioned above, while at the same time taking advantage of the cavity-fighting superpowers of Xylitol.

Ask any dentist what kind of gum they let their kids chew and you’ll get Xylitol as a response 99% of the time.

One of the questions we often hear goes something like this, “Ok great. Now that I know Xylitol gum is what I should be chewing, where do I get it?”

Many of the top chewing gum brands, such as Trident, Dentyne, and Orbit, all make a Xylitol gum; you just have to be on the lookout for it. As the public becomes more aware of the oral health benefits of chewing Xylitol gum, these chewing gum companies are prominently using the word Xylitol front and center on their packaging; you can’t miss it.

Have you chewed too much sugary gum?

Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and cavities, which is why, if you’ve been chewing too much sugary gum, it may be time to visit the dentist. If you are searching for a new dentist on the South Shore of Long Island in or around the West Babylon or Patchogue areas, please give our practice nearest you a call today!

We have two locations (Babylon Dental Care at Great South Bay and Babylon Dental Care at Gateway Plaza) and would love to meet you and your family.

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“I've never had such an amazing experience at a dentist. They are so kind, so caring, so friendly, and really make you feel appreciated and not just like a patient number. I am blown away by the care I received here, and will be recommending them to everyone I know!”

Jessica C

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“Babylon Dental Care is an amazing practice! I had an issue with my teeth and they took me immediately. Their friendly and compassionate staff walked me through each step and in a matter of a week I had that tooth extracted and my flipper ready for every day use! You can’t even tell I have it in! The office is spotless and they even have Netflix! How cool is that! You’re welcomed as soon as you walk in and they made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Golo and Dr. Knakal took such good care of me and I would recommend them to anyone! The office is so convenient and literally across the street from my home so it doesn’t get better than that! Thank you Babylon Dental!”

Joseph S

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“I recently moved approximately 300 miles away, I continue to make the trip back to Babylon Dental Care. My hygienist Paige could not be kinder, friendlier or professional. I have been having issues with bone loss in my jaws and now it's time for implants. Dr. Knakal has been outstanding. I know I am in the best hands. Everyone I have dealt with at BDC from the receptionists to the checkout personnel are awesome! I will be continuing to make the trip for all my dental care.”

Pete R

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“Very professional staff and the hygienist Melody is amazing. The dentist are very thorough and they explained every little bit of details of your procedure. They make you feel so relaxed and welcoming. I would recommend Babylon Dental Care to anyone.”

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“Professional and courteous staff, every time I come here I’m more than satisfied. Dr Wrann & Dr Knakal are exceptionally good. I would highly recommend Babylon Dental!”

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“I've been coming here for about a year and a half. I have always had Francesca and she's great. She's always professional, friendly and honest with me. They have a pretty good system with the walkie-talkies too which makes the process more or less pretty smooth. I also really appreciate that they are transparent up front with cost, not many places are like that in my experiences.”

Scott A

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“I have been using Babylon Dental Care for almost 10 years. Dr. Brown, Jen, Melody and Michelle are incredible. They are always concerned with the patients well being and health making it a different experience. They treat you like family, not a patient. I use them for dentistry and their silent night therapy. Thank you for taking care of my family. Great job team!”

Chuck M

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“Amazing experience getting my teeth cleaned at Babylon Dental Care. Melody is fantastic and provided a top-notch painless service. Highly recommend.”

Ron S

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“First time here, never felt so comfortable at the dentist. Super clean and friendly staff. Corrin and Dr. Brown are absolutely wonderful! Very thorough and knowledgeable.”

Cara P

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“I would highly recommend Babylon Dental Care. The Drs and Staff are all very friendly and professional. They take the extra time to explain the procedures which are truly done gently and with care. I saw Dr. Knakal and Dr. Diamond. The lobby is comfortable and the dental work areas are immaculate. Also, I have never had to wait very long before being seen!”

Regina B

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“First visit and everyone was so nice and made the transition to a new dentist seamless! Corinn did a great cleaning and explained everything as she was doing it!”

Kayleigh P

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“Everyone in the Patchogue office are wonderful! Kind, caring, and attentive. I have always hated dentists but I am never anxious to come there. I can honestly say I have NEVER felt this at ease. Thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for me. I won’t ever hesitate to go to the dentist again!”

Susan G

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“From the moment I walked in it was a great experience. The facility is modern and clean. I was treated extremely well. And I really don't like going to the dentist but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit. Everyone I met was great! Thank you for making me feel comfortable.”

Tom M

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“Dr. David and the entire staff at Babylon Dental Care are amazing! Every single person who works there is so kind compassionate. I’m a very nervous patient and Dr. David and his assistant Amber made me feel so at ease. I highly recommend Babylon Dental Care especially if you’re an anxious patient!”

Elisabeth D

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“Love this office and all staff! From the front desk, to the hygienist, the dentists and the lovely ladies that check you out, it’s a top notch experience. I trust them 100%!”

Marian P

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“This was my first time at this Dental office. I went in for a cleaning and dental exam. The office is Clean and modern. I felt comfortable and welcomed right from the start. My hygienist 'Melody' was great! I feel that she was very thorough, talked me through everything she was doing and made recommendations for improving my routine at home. My dental exam with Dr. Diamond was just as pleasant. I liked that she also took her time and I didn't feel rushed. All-in-all it was a good experience. The entire team at the clinic displayed a high level of professionalism and made me feel comfortable throughout my visit.”

Brenda S

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“I had my teeth cleaned by Melody and she did an incredible job. She is gentle, and caring. My teeth look and feel amazing! I normally hate going to the dentist but now look forward to my cleanings with Melody and this location! Everyone is this office is so kind and sweet from the moment you walk in.”

Gillian W

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“Really love this office, they are so kind and non judge mental, I have dealt with so many judge mental dental offices and I have felt totally at ease here. Truly grateful to find them. Dr David is so gentle and for the first time ever I don’t have an anxiety attack coming in to the dentist. The ladies in the front are a pleasure as well, Beth is a breathe of fresh air.”

Angela P

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“Absolutely incredible team. From the very moment you walk in you're greeted with kindness and people who want to help you. When I was asked how everything was I literally told them I was speechless. Having had terrible experiences as a kid with dentistry I wasn't sure if the nice things I've heard and read would live up to my expectation. I'm so glad they met them, and even went above and beyond what I had imagined. They offered me several options (a comfort menu) for things I could ask for to help make the time go by easier and with less anxiety.. all for free! If you have been holding off due to how long it's been and how anxious you might be then take this as your sign to look into coming here. I really truly am so glad I overcame my fear and made my appointment, they are just *that* good”

Brian K