There are those things you occasionally do that you know you shouldn’t (like opening a package with your teeth). Then there are those things you know are always good for your oral health (like twice daily brushing). However, you may occasionally find yourself face to face with an unknown, something that seems like it could go either way. When it comes to gum chewing, the topic is certainly confusing because there are subtleties that can make it either beneficial or harmful. Let’s see whether you’ve figured it all out (or if you need some extra help) with a quiz.
Quiz Questions: True or False?
- True or False: All types of chewing gum are safer for your oral health than they are dangerous because they help dislodge food from your teeth.
- True or False: If you want to chew gum, we suggest you rely on a sugarless option. It can help your smile.
- True or False: The only potential drawbacks to chewing sugarless gum have to do with damaging prosthetics or orthodontic devices, as well as making bruxism or jaw joint problems worse.
Quiz Answers
- False. While it’s true that all type of gum will help dislodge food particles, only certain types of gum are safe for you to chew. If it contains sugar, the benefits will not outweigh the drawbacks.
- True. It’s entirely beneficial to chew sugarless gum when we’re talking about preventing tooth decay. If it’s sugar-free (and especially if it has xylitol as a sweetener), it will help protect your oral health.
- True. Sugarless gum won’t lead to cavities. However, it can overwork your teeth and jaws and may damage braces or other devices. Chew wisely!
