Chewing Gum With Dental Crowns

Lots of people like to chew gum but wonder if it will hamper their dental crowns. Crowns are devices that dentists place over certain oral structures within a patient's mouth for a variety of reasons. The tooth may be cracked or weakened by decay or other damage. They may be used to shore up the structure after a root canal. If a dental implant has been attached within the mouth with a titanium screw in the jawbone and an abutment, it may be covered by a crown. Crowns are made from various materials such as porcelain, gold, another metal or a composite made up of various combinations. Some of these materials offer a more natural appearance, while others are extremely durable.

Chewing gum has been around for eons. Ancient civilizations in Greece, South America and North America used sap from different trees as their gum to chew. This sap came from a variety of trees including cedar, sapodilla, and mastic. While modern sugary varieties are thought to be harmful and promote decay, this isn't always true. Some chewing gums are actually recommended by dentistry organizations and even bear the logo of ADA recommendation. Certain products which aren't too sticky or sugar laden can actually help get rid of food particles which lead to plaque buildup. But individuals should be aware that this practice doesn't replace the need to perform regular dental hygiene of brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Gums in modern times are manufactured in factories and contain gum base, sweeteners, flavorings and colorings. The types that are recommended by the ADA have artificial sweeteners so that they don't encourage cavities to happen. In the factory, the concoction is mixed up and flattened into chewable portions. Some are flat and rectangular, while others are formed into pellets or rounded nuggets. They are wrapped in tiny papers to keep them fresh. Bazooka bubblegum is an old fashioned sort that includes a small comic or written illustrated cartoon joke inside the wrapper. Bubblegum is called by this name because the chewer can use it to blow impressive bubbles.

Will these chewable products hurt crowns? Many patients who have DDS installed devices in their mouths worry about being too hard on them by chewing gum, beef jerky, candied apples and more. If dental devices are securely affixed, a patient should have no trouble dislodging them. If a person wears dentures or bridges attached merely with cement, this is another story and should be discussed with the oral health care practitioner. 

In summary, dental crowns can cover up oral structures to strengthen or beautify them. These items can hide spotty discoloration, yellow or gray stains, reinforce cracked or decayed portions or be the crowning touch after a dental implant procedure. They may be comprised of porcelain, gold, another metal or a combination of these materials. When they are glued on securely and permanently by a well trained DDS, they shouldn't be dislodged by chewing gum. In fact, munching on these chewable treats can actually help the surrounding oral structures, especially if the wrapper has the ADA seal of approval on it.