Growing up, your parents may have nagged at you for swallowing your gum. They probably said that if you swallow your gum, it will stay in your stomach for seven years. We here at Alma Dental Centre in Vancouver want to give you the facts about chewing gum and your health and dispel the rumours.
Chewing gum, like all other foods, is able to digest normally. If you’ve ever been panicked when you swallowed a piece of gum, you don’t have to worry. These rumors that chewing gum will stay in your stomach for seven years are false.
However, chewing gum does not have any health benefits so we would suggest not swallowing it. There is also the matter of chewing gum with sugar, and sugar-free gum. We recommend to our patients that they chew sugar-free gum – gum that contains sugar will lead to cavities, whereas sugar-free gum won’t harm your teeth. Sugar-free gum still maintains a strong flavor and will be less harmful to you in the long run. Gum containing sugar causes damage because it leaves acid behind after the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar. This acid wears down the enamel and causes holes, also known as cavities. Avoiding these harmful substances that come in contact with your teeth will help prevent cavities which can lead to long term mouth problems if not treated in time.
If you think you have a cavity, contact Alma Dental Centre and make an appointment.
