The jury can be out amongst dentists in Leeds when it comes to the affects that chewing gum has on the teeth and gums. Chewing itself, is a process by which to break up food and then to digest. The forces in doing this, impact on the joints of the jaws and place the everyday pressure upon the temporomandibular joint in the mouth (TMJ). There are many other stresses too from talking and clenching of the teeth that add extra pressure in this area. Chewing gum is considered to be a way of relieving tension, but it will also place extra forces upon this area of the mouth that can lead to damage, over time, that may require some hard-core surgery to rectify. Sugar based chewing gum can also promote tooth decay and gum disease too. But, the use of chewing gum can also promote the health of the teeth and gums. If you happen to be on heavy medication, or have been unfortunate to undergo chemo-therapy, this can lower the saliva levels in the mouth, and leave the teeth and gums vulnerable to gum disease and tooth decay. Chewing certain gums however in these circumstances can help to rejuvenate the blood flow in the gums and re-stimulate the saliva in the mouth. Of course, chewing gum is also a classic way of fending of bad breath too because it is a way of removing sticky foodstuffs from the surfaces of the teeth and a way of preventing bacteria and acids from building up in the mouth and damaging the teeth’s enamel.
Tags: tmj
