Whenever one believes that they have bad breath or they have an awful taste that has been lingering in their mouths for quite some time, a person usually will reach for a piece of gum. Chewing gum comes in many different forms and flavors, giving customers an assortment of options.

For some, they would consider themselves to be an avid gum chewer. Chewing a few pieces per day. With that being said, it is always important to understand the benefits and health risks that come along with chewing gum.

Based on the American Dental Association’s findings, by just chewing gum, it “increases salivary flow in the mouth; if chewed after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on teeth.” These are just the salivary effects of chewing gum.

Just like anything, gum also has oral effects. If one chews gum with sugar, they are risking the chances of enamel demineralization, which why it is recommended to chew sugar-free gum if one has access to that option.