By reducing the acidity in the mouth it reduces the effect of demineralisation (break down) of tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay and cavities. As shown in clinical trials, people who chew sugarless gum after eating meals and drinking certain beverages have fewer cavities and tooth decay [1].

The oral health foundation has stated that plaque starts to build up 30 minutes after brushing teeth and recommends chewing gum as a way to maintain a healthy ph level in the mouth [2] (as per the diagram)

Chewing gum increases saliva flow by 10-12 times by stimulating the saliva glands [3]. By chewing gum after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralise and clear enamel-destroying acids that are produced when food is broken down by oral bacteria. Chewing gum increases salivary flow and volume by mechanical action and stimulation of oral taste receptors [4].

One study also found that by frequently chewing gum is associated with an increase saliva flow when gum isn't chewed, reducing dental caries overall [5].

Tooth enamel is essential because its primary function is to protect the teeth from decay. Enamel is the hardest substance produced by the body and is even harder than titanium.

Tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of the teeth, cannot regenerate itself once it is damaged. Therefore, remineralisation is crucial to restore the minerals lost due to demineralisation, preventing tooth decay and maintaining the strength of the teeth.

Saliva acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which are critical in enamel’s remineralisation [6] [7]. These minerals work together to form a compound called hydroxyapatite, which is a building block of your teeth and provides strength. Chewing gum increases saliva flow by 10-12 times by stimulating the saliva glands [3], therefore supporting the remineralisation process - highly mineralised enamel is very resistant to tooth decay.

Xylitol chewing gum has been found to be a powerful tool in the fight against bad bacteria in the mouth. When you chew xylitol gum, the sweetener works to disrupt the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth, preventing them from forming plaque and causing cavities [8] [9]. By chewing xylitol gum regularly, you can help to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth.

In fact, one study found that chewing xylitol-sweetened gum reduced the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth by up to 75% [10].

Xylitol is a natural antibacterial agent that starves the harmful bacteria in your mouth of the nutrients they need to survive. This makes it much more difficult for them to multiply and wreak havoc on your oral health.

Xylitol reduces the levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in plaque and saliva by disrupting their energy production processes, leading to futile energy cycle and cell death. It reduces the adhesion of these microorganisms to the teeth surface and also reduces their acid production potential [11]

Xylitol has also been found to reduce the formation of biofilm, which is a primary factor contributing to tooth decay, by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans [12].

The research showed that to get the benefit the gum needs to be in the mouth for 10 -15 minutes, and performed a minimum of 3 times a day (5-7 grams of xylitol in total per day) [13].

A lack of saliva, or dry mouth (xerostomia), can lead to various oral health issues, including an increased risk of cavities, bad breath, dry throat, cracked lips, tooth decay, mouth sores, and infections[14].

Saliva is essential for the health of our oral environment and contains natural antimicrobial agents that help to fight off infections in the mouth. Without enough saliva, you may be more prone to oral infections like thrush (oral candidiasis) [15].

As mentioned in the section 'rebalances the pH in the mouth' and 'helps to remineralise teeth' chewing gum helps stimulate saliva production and alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.

When you chew gum, your salivary glands are activated, and they begin to produce more saliva. This increased flow of saliva helps to moisten your mouth, wash away food particles and bacteria, and neutralise acids that can cause tooth decay.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is an unpleasant condition that can have negative social and health implications. Socially, bad breath can cause embarrassment and undermine self-confidence, leading to social isolation and poor relationships.

In addition, bad breath can be a sign of poor oral hygiene and underlying health problems. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is associated with bad breath, as the bacteria that cause gum inflammation can also produce volatile sulfur compounds, which have an unpleasant odor [16].

Tooth decay, or dental caries, can also cause bad breath. As the decay progresses, it can lead to the formation of cavities, which can harbor bacteria and food particles, further contributing to bad breath [17].

As well as the obvious masking of unpleasant odors in the mouth with minty flavours and clearing the mouth of food particles chewing gum can help combat bad bacteria through the variety of methods mentioned in the prior points.

The jaw plays a crucial role in the process of eating by allowing us to break down food into smaller, more easily digestible pieces. Proper jaw function is essential for efficient chewing and swallowing, which can help to prevent digestive problems and ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

Training through gum chewing can enhance the strength of muscles in the jaw, tongue, lips, and cheeks, which are all involved in the processes of chewing and swallowing [18]. Another study demonstrated that chewing gum for 5 minutes, twice daily over a four-week period, resulted in stronger muscles for chewing and an increased bite force [19].