Eating gum in childhood, yes or no?

Chewing gum is a very attractive treat for children. Perhaps because they are not allowed to eat them due to the risk of choking until they are old enough, and when the time comes they feel like "big kids", or because of the marketing that surrounds them. In any case, few children resist chew gum When the time comes

Advantages of chewing gum

• According to a study carried out by the, chew gum that contain xylitol could be very favorable since this action helps to clean the mouth of food residues and sugars, in addition to neutralizing acids from bacterial plaque, stimulating remineralization and hardening tooth enamel, all this helping to reduce the incidence of Por what the gum with xylitol can be useful if you are away from home and there is no possibility for the little ones to brush their teeth.
• It is recommended not to chew gum for more than 30 minutes in a row, nor more than 60 minutes a day, taking into account that after 30 minutes it loses part of its adhesive properties, thus reducing its ability to capture bacteria, experts advise chewing it around 20 minutes.
• Eating gum also increases saliva production, which makes digestion easier. In addition, it is useful as a substitute for other less healthy and sugar-rich foods such as other sweets. Of course, those chewing gums that contain sugar are excluded, since the consumption of refined sugar contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cavities, etc.
• It has also been recommended, in very anxious children, as a method of reducing "jitters." The mechanical and repetitive action of chewing gum can help momentarily reduce that stress.

Disadvantages of chewing gum

Although the consumption of sugar-free gum can offer some benefits, it should always be in a timely manner, because if it is abused, it can have many disadvantages.

• In the case of children who chew gum continuously, jaw problems can develop, "that extra work" for a much longer time than usual chewing, can produce additional wear on our teeth in the long term. In addition, if consumed in excess, high doses of xylitol can generate gas, intestinal irritation, heartburn and even cause diarrhea, since sorbitol, an ingredient in sugar-free gum, has a laxative effect.
• Children with or other dental appliances should not chew gum as it can catch on the different pieces and damage them, if this happens do not hesitate to consult with your

Is there a maximum limit?

It is difficult to put a number of allowed gums, some authors refer never to exceed the consumption of 4-5 gums a day, something excessive for children, since the ideal would be to offer it only at those times when it can be useful, whether or not they can, as if it prevents them from ending up eating other unhealthy foods.

At what age can they chew gum?

Offering gum to children under the age of four is not recommended as the risk of choking is high, and the safety of the child must take precedence over other issues. On many occasions they do not understand that it should not be swallowed, but that it should only be chewed, so the risk of suffocation increases.

Child's first chewing gums

It is advisable not to offer gum drops to very young children at an early age, as they are easier to swallow and are harder. Elongated, rectangular-shaped chewing gums, much softer, and easy to break to offer a smaller piece are preferable.

conclusion

It should be clear that chewing sugar-free gum is not a substitute for tooth washing, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that, whenever possible, young children (and also older ones) should brush their teeth properly, including flossing and mouthwash. But gum can be very useful, if children are over four years old, on those occasions when brushing their teeth is not possible.

• Gum with xylitol can be useful if you are away from home and there is no possibility for the little ones to brush their teeth.
• In the case of children who eat gum continuously, jaw problems can develop, "that extra work" for a much longer time than usual chewing, can lead to additional wear on the teeth in the long term.
• makes it very clear that chewing sugar-free gum is not a substitute for tooth brushing, and proper dental hygiene should be done whenever possible.

Diploma in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Master in Pediatric Nutrition