You are here:

Dentistry/Chewing Gum

Advertisement


Question
On your take as a dentist, what is your perspective on chewing gum? Is it true that it is good for you and it cleans your teeth? Is it also true that it relieves stress?

Answer
There is some evidence that chewing gum sweetened with xylitol can help prevent decay from developing.  There is more evidence that careful, thorough and routine brushing and flossing will prevent decay as well.  I am not aware of any evidence to support the notion that chewing gum relieves stress, however, there is some indication that chewing gum can stress the jaw joints and contribute to tmj symptoms.

Dentistry

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.