To Chew, or Not to Chew - Dr. Jerry Dunn

Slim sticks, chewy squares, coated pellets, classic gumballs, foot-long ribbons, shredded, or stuck in the middle of a lollipop – whatever kind of gum you chew, your teeth will thank you for considering one important factor: whether or not it contains sugar.

Sugar is bad for your teeth

We at Dr. Jerry Dunn's office recommend that you avoid gum that contains sugar for the same reason you'd avoid any candy: sugary treats lead to cavities! When the bacteria in your mouth metabolize (or break down) sugar, what's left behind is acid, which eats away at the enamel coating of the teeth, producing holes that we call cavities.

Sugarless gum can improve your oral hygiene

On the other hand, chewing sugarless gum can have a positive effect on your teeth and gums. With no sugar to cause problems, the act of gum-chewing triggers your mouth to produce more saliva than usual. Saliva acts as a cleanser, washing away food particles and neutralizing the acid that can lead to cavities.

Because of this effect, if you have just eaten a meal and don't have access to a toothbrush, chewing sugarless gum can help clean out your mouth. But bear in mind that no matter how much gum you chew, it's never a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Should I chew gum that contains xylitol?

In recent years, xylitol, a sweetener found in some brands of sugarless gum, has gained popularity. Various studies have shown that xylitol may play a direct role in reducing cavities. Let us know if you have any questions about xylitol or other sweeteners.

Be on the lookout for jaw pain

If you are a regular gum-chewer, be aware of the potential for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Frequent and long-term chewing, especially, can cause muscle fatigue or pain. Should you notice any aching, popping, or other discomfort in or around your jaw, take a break from the gum-chewing, and give us a call.

A brief history of chewing gum

The ancient Greeks chewed a substance called mastiche to freshen their breath. The chewy material was made of resin from the bark of the mastic tree, which is native to Greece and Turkey.

In the tropical rainforest of what is now Central America, members of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization had their own version of chewing gum, called chicle, which was derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree (known by locals as the chicozapote tree).

North America also produced gum-friendly trees: it is said that Native American tribes in modern-day New England introduced their gum-chewing habit to early colonists. The ubiquitous spruce provided a chewy resin that the natives found thirst-quenching.

In the late 1800's, an American inventor named Thomas Adams endeavored to make various rubber products (including toys, galoshes, and bicycle tires) out of chicle he had imported from Mexico. He failed in each attempt, and found himself with a seemingly useless supply of chicle. One day he was inspired with the idea to use the chicle as a base for chewing gum. By the end of the century, Adams, Sons, and Co. was the most profitable chewing gum company in the country, and went on to create one of America's best-loved gums – you guessed it: Chiclets!

As you might imagine, there's not enough chicle in the world to keep up with today's high demand for chewing gum. Most gums today are made of synthetic latex combined with sweeteners, softeners, flavorings, and colorings. But no matter the substance, nothing compares with frequent brushing and regular dental check-ups. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

Dr. Jerry Dunn's Patient Reviews

Dr. Terry Dunn provides the latest in cosmetic dentistry for Irving, Texas. Just see what his patients are saying about his state-of-the-art practice!For the first time in my life, I don't mind going to the dentist. Dr. Dunn and his staff are some of the best healthcare providers I have.
-Eleanor T.

They are like family. Going for a dental appointment is like seeing friends and family that you have not seen for a few months.
-Jan B.

Dr. Dunn is a dedicated and up-do-date dentist. He takes pride in his practice. You can tell a lot by the people that work with him; he has a great staff who have been with him many years.
-Judi R.

Super friendly, and so is his staff. Been going for approximately ten years and it's "out of my way", but well worth it! Excellent Service All Around!
-Becky M.

Friendly, innovative, always looking for ways to assist the patient - and I got a chocolate shake!
-Jennifer J.

I have been a patient of Dr. Dunn's for over twenty years. He and his staff feel like family--caring, attentive, and helpful. He maintains the highest quality and standards in equipment and treatment - Quite simply - THE BEST!
-Kaye P.

Dr. Dunn's the best! I've been seeing him for 27 years!
-Natalie M.

Gummy Tummy in Irving, Texas

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

Our Patients Are the BEST!

My time at work is always rewarding; I get to see so many patients that have been in my care for over 25 years. I have seen my patients' children grow up, get married and bring their new spouses to my practice. I have worked with several of my staff members for nearly 20 years, and they too have built lifelong relationships with our patients and our patients’ families.

This gives our practice a remarkable continuity of care and relationships. We have never belonged to any PPO or HMO that requires a patient to use our office. The overwhelming majority of our patients have chosen our office based on existing patient referrals and our reputation. Patients love our new office and are proud to send their friends to such a beautiful place. It’s fun to go around town and see so many of our patients sharing a smile with others. My wife always wonders why it takes me so long to get a loaf of bread!

My life has been so blessed by the wonderful people of Irving and the surrounding communities. We have always tried to be involved in the local PTA, a variety of community activities and organizations, and our church. It's great to have my children's teachers, our ministers, fellow health care providers, and other dentists as patients. I was pleased to learn that the community had selected our office as 2008 “Irving Dentist of the Year.” To be able to come to work in a wonderful facility, work with employees that are my friends, and have some of the best patients anywhere, and to have the support of some incredible dental labs is as good as it gets in dentistry!