Question about Chewing Gum

[drummerswife]

My job has been really stressful lately with the demands of clients and never ending paperwork deadlines. I have discovered that chewing sugar free gum helps keep my nerves steady during the day and also keeps me from stress eating. My concern is that this might not be good for my teeth. I don't want to ruin all the good (and expensive!) work Dr. Katy has done to restore my teeth from years of neglect.
Is sugar free gum safe? If not, is there any kind of gum that is?

 

[Razzle3]

For me, there could be few things worse for my jaw (TMD) than chewing gum. I don't think (sure hope you don't) have any TMJ issues, DW, but wouldn't think longer term gum chewing is a good idea. What about sugar free hard candy or even a lollipop? I hope things calm down for you at work.

Mona

 

[olanda]

i agree, i don't think chewing gum can be good for teeth on a long term basis. i know it's advertised as healthy but that's just chewing for a few minutes after each meal. longer term gum chewing has got to cause tmj problems or erode teeth i would have thought??

i think sugar free sweets, especially mints with xylitol (which may protect teeth from decay), are the best and safest idea. i even saw my dentist eat some at the end of one of my appointments once!!

 

[mghstl]

I understand on-job stress. Can't really chew gum because of my multitude of crowns (I miss it!). But if I could, I'd chew gum...as long as I brushed my teeth every few hours. I'd guess that, with brushing along the way, you'd be better off than other stress-relieving options (I still smoke, so who's doing worse damage, you or me?!?!?).

 

[drummerswife]

Good point! I'm thankful thats one habit I never started. As to my gum dilemma, I was really hoping one of he docs would weigh in on this but really gum isnt a biggie compared to the other questions here so I guess I'll wait til I see Dr. Katy but that leaves me not knowing what to do this week. Maybe fruit snacks?

 

[decan]

Chewing sugar free gum increases salivary flow which helps fight dental decay. Chewing a sugar free product which has xylitol as the main ingredient is better, but any gum will do. If you don't have TMJ issues you're fine but if you find that your jaw becomes sore easily take a break.

 

[snapper]

Hi, I find when I chew gum it makes my jaw ache and causes tension headaches. My teeth started to ache as well so the chewing gum had to go. It is agood way in one way to get rid of all that stressful frustration that builds up during a stressful day, but i think the long and short term effects can to very destructive.

Regards
Snapper