According to the American Dental Association, chewing gum can be good for you and your child. Chewing gum increases saliva flow, which washes acids and food debris from your teeth instead of leaving them there to feed bacteria, cause cavities, and form plaque.
Gum manufacturers have added additional benefits to their products. You can now choose gums that
- Neutralize acids
- Freshen breath
- Fight cavities
- Reduce gingivitis
- Decrease plaque
- Protect tooth enamel
Be sure to choose a sugar-free gum and double-check for ingredients your child may be allergic to (like aspartame, food coloring, flavoring). Gums that currently have the ADA Seal of Acceptance are
- Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum (Mondelez International)
- Ice Breakers Ice Cubes (Hershey)
- Stride Sugarless Gum (Mondelez International)
- Trident Sugarfree Gum (Mondelez International)
- Wrigley’s Extra Sugarfree Gum (Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company)
- Wrigley’s Orbit for Kids Sugarfree Gum (Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company)
- Wrigley’s Orbit Sugarfree Gum (Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company)
Chewing gum is not recommended for those with braces or those who experience pain or loosening of teeth during the process. Also, gum chewing does NOT replace brushing and flossing of teeth at least twice a day.