Smiling woman holding a piece of green chewing gum

Does Chewing Gum Help Your Teeth? What Sugar-Free Gum Can and Can't Do

You can't always brush after lunch or a coffee on the go. So it's a fair question whether a piece of gum does anything useful for your teeth in the meantime.

Sugar-free gum can play a small part. Chewed for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking, it contributes to the neutralisation of plaque acids and the maintenance of tooth mineralisation. It doesn't replace brushing though. Here's how it works, when to chew and what gum can't do for you.

What happens in your mouth after you eat?

Eating and drinking lead to acids in your mouth. Some are made by the plaque bacteria on your teeth and some come from acidic foods and drinks themselves.

Over time those acids can weaken enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. We cover this in more detail in what wears tooth enamel down.

That's why sugar-free gum is chewed after eating or drinking. It's also when most people can't get to a toothbrush.

What can sugar-free chewing gum do?

Sugar-free gum has three useful jobs. Each one depends on how you chew it.

  • After meals and drinks: chewing sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking contributes to the neutralisation of plaque acids.

  • For your enamel: that same 20 minutes after eating or drinking contributes to the maintenance of tooth mineralisation.

  • When your mouth feels dry: chewing sugar-free gum whenever your mouth feels dry contributes to the reduction of oral dryness.

All three claims you can also find on the UK's nutrition and health claims register.

Why does it have to be sugar-free?

All three claims apply only to sugar-free gum. To call itself sugar-free, a gum can contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

Gum made with sugar adds more sugar to your mouth just after you've eaten. Check that the pack says sugar-free before you buy.

When should you chew gum and for how long?

Chew it straight after a meal, a snack or a drink. The Oral Health Foundation suggests sugar-free gum after meals and snacks. It also suggests it for times when you can't brush.

Aim for at least 20 minutes. A quick chew on the way out of the café isn't long enough for the effects above.

What chewing gum can't do

Gum is an extra. It doesn't replace any part of your normal routine. The NHS advice still applies:

  • Brush twice a day for about 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and at one other time.

  • Spit out the excess toothpaste afterwards and don't rinse.

  • Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Our guide on why flossing is important covers how to do it.

Use gum for the hours between brushes.

Who should check before chewing gum?

Gum isn't right for everyone. The Oral Health Foundation advises that:

  • Chewing gum isn't generally recommended for children under 7 because of the choking risk.

  • It isn't suitable if you wear dentures.

  • If you wear braces, check with your dental team first.

Many sugar-free gums use sweeteners such as xylitol. Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects, so stick to the amount on the pack.

Where ApaCare Gum fits in

ApaCare Gum is a sugar-free chewing gum made with xylitol (56%). It comes in a tin of 45 pieces.

As a sugar-free chewing gum, ApaCare Gum contributes to the neutralisation of plaque acids and to the maintenance of tooth mineralisation. The beneficial effect is obtained by chewing for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking.

  • Adults and young people aged 12 and over: chew one piece three times a day, ideally after meals, for at least 20 minutes each time.

  • Free from preservatives and titanium dioxide.

  • Made in Germany.

Enjoy it as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, alongside brushing twice a day.

Shop ApaCare Gum

Common questions

Is chewing gum good for your teeth?

Sugar-free gum can be. It contributes to the neutralisation of plaque acids and the maintenance of tooth mineralisation when you chew it for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking. It doesn't replace brushing or cleaning between your teeth.

How long should you chew gum after eating?

For at least 20 minutes. That's the condition attached to both of the plaque acid and tooth mineralisation claims.

Can chewing gum replace brushing your teeth?

No. Keep brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day. Gum is for the times in between.

Can chewing gum help when your mouth feels dry?

Sugar-free chewing gum contributes to the reduction of oral dryness. The beneficial effect is obtained with the use of the chewing gum whenever your mouth feels dry. If your mouth feels dry a lot of the time, speak to your dentist or GP.

Is it okay to chew gum every day?

Yes. Chew it after meals and snacks and follow the directions on the pack. Excessive consumption of gum made with sweeteners may produce laxative effects.

Can children chew gum?

The Oral Health Foundation doesn't generally recommend chewing gum for children under 7 because of the choking risk. Ask your dental team if you're unsure.

Does chewing gum whiten teeth?

No. The Oral Health Foundation says whitening gums can't change the natural colour of your teeth. If whitening is what you're after, read why whitening toothpaste cannot bleach your teeth first.

In short

Sugar-free chewing gum has a small part to play. Chew it for at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking, especially when you can't brush. Keep brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth, because gum doesn't replace either.

Sources

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