It is no secret that children love eating sweets. It is also common knowledge that they should not over indulge when it comes to them. Chewing gum is also a children’s favorite but, many times, parents are a bit unclear on the effects that it has on their children’s oral health. So, should children chew gum without any restrictions? In this article, we’ll analyze the pros and cons of chewing gum for children’s oral health.
Pros
Contrary to what many people think, chewing gum does have some benefits for children and adults such as:
- The act of chewing stimulates a higher saliva production, which helps with digestion and to avoid having a dry mouth.
- Gum reduces appetite, and this helps your child to not eat sweet snacks constantly.
- For children who are highly nervous or suffer from anxiety, chewing gum may help them to remain calm.
- Some types of gum are designed to help strengthen the enamel and reduce plaque formation.
- It may help to kill bacteria, which leads to a fresher breath.
- In some cases, chewing gum is recommended for medical conditions such as otitis or to stimulate jaw development.
Cons
In the same way there are some advantages when it comes to chewing gum, there are also some disadvantages, especially, when there is an excessive use. Some of the most common disadvantages are:
- Since gum reduces appetite, making children want to eat less, excessive gum consumption may lead to excessive gas and gastrointestinal problems.
- Although chewing gum can stimulate jaw development, its excessive use can be detrimental to jaw development.
- Chewing gum that has high sugar content is more likely to affect the enamel and, eventually, can lead to tooth decay.
It is up to parents whether they let their children chew gum or not since there are advantages and disadvantages when it comes to it. Just remember that very young children should not eat any gum and to always ask your dentist if it is recommended for your child’s particular teeth development.
If you’re looking for Bergen County NJ kids dental care or an orthodontist in Wyckoff and surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact us. For any questions or booking an appointment, please call us now at (201) 652-7020.
