Should My Toddler Chew Gum?




There is no reason for toddlers to chew gum. While your toddler’s body is growing it is important to provide lots of opportunities for them to eat nutritious foods. Pediatric dentist, Dr. Cameron Fuller suggests, “Fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks are a better alternative to a stick of gum loaded with sugar.” Fruits and vegetables help remove food that may become stuck to the teeth, by creating extra saliva to rinse away food. 
Also gum is a choking hazard for young toddlers. Young children who are unable to understand the concept of gum may swallow it, and it can become lodged in their throat depending on the size of the piece. They may not know or understand what purpose gum serves, leading them to repeatedly swallow gum, which can cause stomach issues, gas or jaw problems. 
The part of gum that makes it sticky is not digestible. If a child is chewing gum and swallows too much of it, it will remain in the digestive tract and can cause children to become constipated. With extreme constipation, a child can feel pain, bloating and/or a loss of appetite. 
Increased amounts of sugar in many gums can cause decay and other problems later. Children should be provided low sugar options in food and drinks or other snacks they consume. “Sugar is damaging to the enamel of teeth and extra sugar with no nutritional value is not in their best interest,” says Dr. CameronFuller. Excess sugar is linked to obesity, heart damage, cavities and other negative effects. 

For alternative options to gum contact Dr. Fuller & his team today.  

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