[Closed] Quick trick my dentist shared to keep cavities away

"But now I'm wondering, does chewing gum regularly actually wear down your teeth over time? Feels like it might put extra stress on them, especially if you're chewing a lot..."

That's actually a valid concern. From what I've read and heard from my dentist, sugar-free gum can be beneficial in moderation because it stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and protect enamel. But you're right to be cautious—excessive chewing can potentially lead to jaw strain or even TMJ issues for some people. I personally stopped chewing gum frequently after noticing some jaw discomfort myself.

Also, even though sugar-free gum doesn't directly cause cavities, certain brands contain acidic flavorings that might slightly erode enamel over time if used excessively. It's probably best to stick with occasional use and rely more on water rinses or gentle brushing after snacks. Better safe than sorry when it comes to dental health...

You know, I used to chew gum constantly at work because it kept me from snacking (budget-friendly tip right there, lol). But after a while, I noticed my jaw felt kinda stiff and sore, especially after stressful days. At first, I thought it was just stress-related tension, but my dentist actually mentioned that chewing gum all day could strain those jaw muscles and joints.

I switched to just sipping water or rinsing my mouth after eating instead. Honestly, it's been easier on both my jaw and my wallet since I'm not buying packs of gum every week. Plus, I'm pretty sure my coworkers appreciate not hearing me smack away all day long...

I totally relate to this. I used to chew gum thinking it was a smart way to avoid snacking, but like you, I noticed jaw discomfort after a while. My dentist explained that constant chewing can actually overwork the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), potentially leading to more serious issues down the line. Switching to water definitely helps—plus, it naturally rinses away food particles and acids, reducing cavity risk without extra cost. Small changes like these really add up over time...

"Switching to water definitely helps—plus, it naturally rinses away food particles and acids..."

Yeah, I've been trying this too, but does anyone else find plain water kinda boring after a while? I've started adding cucumber slices or mint leaves—makes it easier to stick with and still dentist-approved, I think...

Cucumber and mint sounds refreshing, but now I'm curious...does adding citrus slices like lemon or lime also work, or is that too acidic for teeth? I've heard mixed opinions on that one.