Does gum give you cavities?

Does gum give you cavities?

It can, if it contains sugar. Cleveland Clinic says bacteria can ferment the sugars in gum and that this fermentation is linked to tooth decay, and that sugar-free gum avoids this problem. The ADA says sugar also increases saliva, but plaque bacteria use it to produce acids that harm teeth. Sugary gum is therefore like any other frequent sugar exposure, and the longer it is chewed the longer your teeth are exposed.

Does sugar-free gum cause cavities?

No. Cleveland Clinic says bacteria cannot break down sweeteners like xylitol, so sugar-free gum does not feed the bacteria that cause cavities, and recommends gums with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA says gum with the ADA Seal is sugarless and meets its standards, and that sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol and aspartame do not cause cavities.

Can gum help prevent cavities?

The ADA says clinical studies suggest chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay, because sugarless gum increases saliva, which rinses away food particles, neutralizes bacterial acids and supplies calcium and phosphate to strengthen enamel. Cleveland Clinic says chewing boosts saliva, which helps prevent dry mouth, neutralizes acids and helps rebuild enamel, and dislodges food particles from teeth and the gumline. Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping sessions to about 10 to 15 minutes to avoid overworking the jaw, which differs from the ADA's 20 minutes.

What are the downsides?

Cleveland Clinic says chewing gum strains the temporomandibular joints and jaw muscles, which can cause soreness, clicking, headaches and jaw or ear pain, and in rare cases can cause otherwise healthy teeth to fracture. It says swallowed air can cause bloating, and sugar alcohols like sorbitol can cause cramps and diarrhea in some people. People with recent dental work, jaw disorders, sugar alcohol sensitivity, PKU because of aspartame, swallowing problems, young children, or a tendency to migraine or tension headaches should check with a dentist first. It prefers mint flavors, since fruity or sour gums add acidity.

Do diet sodas cause cavities?

The sources we read do not address diet soda specifically. Cleveland Clinic's page on enamel erosion lists sugary, starchy or acidic foods and drinks as a cause, and advises limiting them and rinsing with water between meals. Sugar-free drinks avoid the sugar problem but may still be acidic, which is general knowledge from dental sources we did not cite, so ask your dentist about your own habits.

What foods cause cavities?

Cleveland Clinic's cavities page lists frequent sugary or starchy foods and drinks, especially snacking between meals, along with dry mouth, a family history of decay, gum recession and past radiation to the head and neck as risk factors. The NHS advice is to limit sugary foods and drinks, clean your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily and keep up regular dental visits.

How do you treat tooth decay at the gum line?

Cleveland Clinic says decay can occur on root surfaces in people with receding gums, because exposed roots are more vulnerable. The NHS says early decay may be reversed with fluoride mouthwash or varnish prescribed by a dentist, a cavity usually needs a filling, deeper decay may need a root canal, and severely affected teeth may need extraction. See a dentist; decay at the gum line is not something to treat yourself. Our guides on whether cavities can be reversed explain more.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to a check-up.

• Is gum a good idea for me, and which kind?
• Do I have any early decay or exposed roots?
• Would fluoride varnish or a prescription toothpaste help?
• Which foods and drinks should I cut down on?
• Is my jaw coping with chewing gum?

Frequently asked questions