Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? Here’s What Dentists Say

Whether you pop a piece after lunch to freshen your breath or just chew to stay focused through long afternoon meetings, chewing gum has earned a permanent spot in pockets and purses everywhere. But is it actually helping your oral health—or could it be quietly sabotaging your smile? We called on dental experts to share the real pros and cons of chewing gum—and whether it deserves a spot in your daily routine.

Negatives of Chewing Gum

Let’s start with the not-so-sweet side. While chewing gum can be a tasty and seemingly harmless habit, experts agree that it still comes with some drawbacks.

Jaw Issues

“Frequent gum-chewing, especially the hard-chompers (you know who you are), can lead to jaw fatigue or even aggravate TMJ issues,” says Catrise Austin, DDS, a cosmetic dentist and host of the Let’s Talk Smiles podcast. “I’ve had patients come in complaining of headaches and clicking jaws, and sometimes we trace it right back to constant gum use.”

Ashley Boling, DDS/DMD, a general dentist at Aspen Dental, echoes this concern. “Chewing gum all the time might put extra strain on your jaw,” she says. “In rare cases, this could contribute to a condition called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which can make chewing painful.”

It’s also important to note that it may pose additional challenges for those with braces or recent dental work. “If you have recently had dental work like crowns, bridges, or surgery, I would hold off on chewing gum unless your dentist gives you the green light,” says Randy Kunik, DDS, founder of Kunik Orthodontic.

Ingredients

Along with concerns about jaw health, it’s important to understand what’s really in the products that you’re chewing. “Gums with sugar? You’re basically bathing your teeth in candy,” Dr. Austin says. But even some sugar-free options have the potential to cause issues. “Some sugar-free gums use sweeteners like sorbitol, which can cause bloating or gas for some people—especially if you chew a lot,” says Dr. Kunik.

There was also a very small, recently published study that found chewing gum sheds microplastics into saliva. This specific study has not yet been peer-reviewed, and technically there is no evidence directly showing that microplastics are harmful to human health, but it’s still a little yikes-worthy to think about!

Benefits of Chewing Gum

Despite the concerns and downsides, gum isn’t all bad. In fact, dentists say that when used correctly, it can help your oral health.

“Chewing gum after meals (especially when brushing isn’t an option) boosts saliva production, which naturally helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids that cause tooth decay,” says Dr. Austin. “It’s like a mini mouthwash moment on the go!”

Saliva stimulation is one of gum’s biggest perks, but it’s important that you’re choosing products with the right ingredients. “Chewing sugar-free gum can actually be a helpful way to protect your teeth from cavities,” says Dr. Boling. “Those sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol, have been shown to be especially effective at preventing tooth decay.”

So, Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad for You?

Like many things in health, the answer lies in finding a proper balance. While chewing gum doesn’t need to be seen as the villain to your teeth, it’s still important to choose the right type and chew in moderation. It’s all about the type of gum, how often you chew, and what your mouth can handle.

And while chewing gum does have its benefits, it should never be used as a replacement for everyday brushing and flossing. “Gum is your backup dancer, not your headliner,” Dr. Austin says.

The Best Type of Gum to Buy

Wondering which gum to reach for next time you’re at the checkout counter? All of our experts agree on one thing: Go sugar-free and look for options with xylitol. “When my patients ask for chewing gum recommendations, I tell them to look at sugar-free gum options,” says Dr. Boling. “I also encourage my patients to look for chewing gum that has received the ADA Seal of Acceptance.”

And yes, believe it or not, even dentists chew gum themselves. “I stick with sugar-free gum with xylitol,” says Kunik. “It keeps my mouth feeling fresh and helps fight dry mouth when I am on the go.” 

So don’t ditch your favorite pack just yet. With smart choices and mindful moderation, chewing gum can be a surprisingly smart addition to your oral care routine and help support a healthy smile.