Sugary, sticky, and sweet candies can harm your child’s teeth by increasing the risk of cavities. While gum might seem like just another type of candy, chewing sugarless gum approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) can actually help protect your child’s teeth and prevent decay. Here’s what parents should know about gum and oral health from Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry.
How Chewing Gum Benefits Oral Health
Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is beneficial for oral health. After eating, chewing sugarless gum for about twenty minutes can help reduce the risk of cavities. The increased saliva flow helps wash away food particles and debris, while also neutralizing acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Over time, these acids can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which help strengthen tooth enamel and promote healthier teeth.
Choose Gum with the ADA Seal
When selecting gum for your child, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal ensures the gum is sugarless and meets the ADA’s rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. Products with the ADA Seal are tested to verify they deliver the benefits promised. If your child is unable to brush their teeth right away, chewing ADA-approved sugarless gum can be a helpful alternative to clean their teeth after meals or snacks.
Is Chewing Gum a Substitute for Brushing?
No, chewing gum should not replace brushing and flossing. While chewing gum for twenty minutes after a meal can help maintain oral health, it is not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Children should brush their teeth at least twice daily for two full minutes each time. Additionally, chewing gum does not eliminate the need for regular dental check-ups. Our pediatric dentist in Darien recommends scheduling dental visits twice a year, with additional visits for children who are at higher risk of oral health issues.
Chewing sugarless gum has noticeable benefits for oral health, such as promoting saliva production. However, it should complement, not replace, a good oral hygiene routine. Our Pediatric Dentist Darien recommends choosing an ADA-approved brand of sugarless gum if your child is chewing gum.
To schedule your child’s next dental visit, please contact Lil' Dente Pediatric Dentistry today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chewing gum good or bad for my child’s teeth?
Chewing gum can be beneficial for your child’s oral health when it is sugarless and approved by the American Dental Association. Sugarless gum helps stimulate saliva production, which naturally washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids in the mouth. This process supports enamel strength and lowers the risk of cavities when gum is used responsibly.
How does sugarless gum help prevent cavities in children?
Sugarless gum increases saliva flow, which plays a key role in protecting teeth after meals. Saliva helps rinse away debris, dilute acids produced by bacteria, and provide minerals like calcium and phosphate that strengthen enamel. Chewing sugarless gum for about twenty minutes after eating can reduce cavity risk, especially when brushing is not immediately possible.
Why should I choose gum with the ADA Seal for my child?
The ADA Seal of Acceptance ensures that the gum is sugarless and meets strict safety and effectiveness standards. Products with this seal are scientifically tested to confirm they help reduce cavities and promote oral health. Choosing ADA approved gum gives parents confidence that the product is safe and beneficial for their child’s teeth.
Can chewing gum replace brushing and flossing for kids?
No, chewing gum should never replace brushing and flossing. While sugarless gum can help clean the mouth temporarily by increasing saliva, it cannot remove plaque or bacteria as effectively as brushing. Children should still brush twice daily, floss regularly, and maintain routine dental visits for complete oral care.
When is chewing gum most helpful for my child’s oral health?
Chewing sugarless gum is most helpful after meals or snacks when brushing is not immediately possible. It can provide short term protection by neutralizing acids and rinsing the mouth. However, it should always be used as a supplement to a consistent oral hygiene routine and regular visits to a pediatric dentist.
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