Is It Safe To Chew Gum During Your Pregnancy?

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Chewing gum is made with a gum base, sweetening, and flavoring agents. It has a broad fanbase and is loved by one and all. But is it safe to chew gum during pregnancy? Pregnant women may wonder if the otherwise harmless chewing gum ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring agents, would harm their baby. Read this post to learn more about the safety of chewing gum during pregnancy.

Is Chewing Gum Safe During Pregnancy?

Medical experts generally suggest observing caution before choosing to chew gum during pregnancy. The principal reason behind this is that chewing gums contain several compounds, including those whose effects on the mother and the baby are unknown. If you have dental problems, you must be extra careful. Dr. Laura Purdy, a US-based board-certified family medicine physician, says, “If you have poor dental hygiene, abscesses, infections, or TMJ problems, you might consider avoiding chewing gum. I would recommend checking with your dentist before you start chewing gum.”

While you may consciously cut down on sugar during pregnancy, you may unknowingly fall into the trap of eating empty calories in artificial sweeteners, often present in chewing gums. Artificial sweeteners are ingredients added to food items to make them sweet, without the use of sugar, and can be nutritive (with calories) and non-nutritive (without calories) (1). 

Considering these factors, speaking to your doctor before deciding to chew gum during pregnancy is best.

Did you know?

A small research study finds that chewing gum for half an hour before a meal might reduce acid reflux (18). Another study found that chewing gum for 45 mins could help reduce cravings and control appetite (19).

Benefits Of Chewing Gum During Pregnancy

Studies suggest the following potential benefits of chewing gum during pregnancy. 

• Improves oral health: According to the data collected by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), xylitol-containing chewing gum has been shown to improve oral health by reducing bacteria in the mouth without posing any risk to pregnant women (3). 
• Helps with dry mouth and to ease weird taste: One of the problems women face during pregnancy is a metallic taste and dry mouth. Chewing gum, preferably sugar-free and minty, can help produce saliva and remove the metallic taste (4).

Sharing her tips to deal with a metallic taste in her pregnancy, a blogger named Rachel shares, “I had this lovely pregnancy symptom where my mouth tasted weird all the time, but especially after eating. That sentence does not adequately communicate how incredibly disgusting and frustrating this was. If anyone else is suffering through weird pregnancy mouth, I can say that I finally figured out that eating protein (mostly cheese sticks, in my case) didn’t make it any worse, but any kind of carbs, especially sugar, was a nightmare. Also, chewing minty gum helped a little. I ended up eating zero sugar for two thirds of my pregnancy because of this (so at least I had one healthy habit) (i).” 

• Eases acid reflux: Heartburn and acid reflux are common conditions during pregnancy. However, chewing gum after meals can help produce more saliva, which can further reduce the symptoms of reflux in pregnant women (5). 
• Alleviates nausea and vomiting: Chewing gums, especially those containing mint or ginger, during pregnancy is recommended as it can relieve nausea and vomiting (6). A study also suggests that chewing gums may help prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after a cesarean delivery; however, the results were inconclusive (7). 
• Reduces risk of preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW) in babies: Several studies suggest a direct association between preterm birth and maternal oral health. It was found that the risk for preterm birth and low-birthweight delivery increases by two- to threefold in pregnant women with periodontal disease (8). A study in Malawi among 10,000 pregnant women showed that chewing gum containing xylitol can significantly decrease the risk of preterm birth by improving maternal oral health (9). 

Dr. Greg Valentine, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the lead author of the Malawi study says, “It surprised us all that such a simple intervention could have such a dramatic effect. A simple intervention like chewing gum helps overcome those issues (preterm birth and LBW) by improving oral health in a more accessible manner (8).”

• Nicotine gum helps pregnant smokers to quit smoking: Studies suggest that about 12% of women smoke even during pregnancy. Thus, it may be safe to continue consuming nicotine gum when pregnant as it may help reduce smoking rates and improve perinatal outcomes (10). A study showed an increased neonatal birth weight and reduced preterm birth risk in pregnant women who underwent nicotine gum therapy (11). However, make sure to consult your healthcare provider before having nicotine gums. Do not pick nicotine gums if you have successfully quit smoking or have always been a non-smoker.

Side Effects Of Chewing Gum During Pregnancy

Moderate consumption of chewing gums during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, some side effects may occur, especially if you have chewing gums in excess (12). 

• Excess chewing of gums may lead to temporomandibular disorders, causing headaches, jaw pain, and even tooth fractures.  
• Chewing gums with added natural sugars may increase the risk of gestational diabetes, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy (13).
• The added sugars in chewing gums can also lead to tooth decay if consumed in excess. 
• Since chewing gum might lead to aerophagia, i.e., swallowing too much air, avoid overconsumption as it may cause bloating and gas accumulation in the stomach (14).
• Excess consumption of sugar-free gums with sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, may increase the risk of cramps and diarrhea (15).

Point to consider

Avoid sucking on chewing gum and hard candies as it can cause excess swallowing of air (20).

Sweeteners In Chewing Gums

Chewing gums contain sweeteners to enhance their taste. Sweeteners for chewing gums can come from various sources and can generally be categorized as follows (1) (24) (25).

• Nutritive natural sweeteners: These include glucose, fructose, and sucrose, which are natural sugars derived from plant-based products such as cane sugar, plant syrups, and fruit extracts. They contain substantial calories and are hence considered nutritive.
• Non-nutritive artificial sweeteners: Examples include aspartame, sucralose, and stevia. They contain very few to almost zero calories and hence are considered non-nutritive. Artificial sweeteners are synthetically manufactured and can be derived from natural sugars.
• Nutritive artificial sweeteners: Examples include various polyols, also referred to as sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and sorbitol. These contain more calories than non-nutritive artificial sweeteners and hence are considered nutritive. Nevertheless, they have significantly fewer calories than nutritive natural sweeteners.

Natural nutritive sweeteners are safe for pregnant women but provide significant calories, which can be a concern, especially if the woman has existing problems, such as gestational diabetes. Nutritive and non-nutritive artificial sweeteners provide fewer calories, but since they are chemically derived, one has to pick the safe ones. The subsequent sections provide more information about safe and unsafe sweeteners in chewing gums.

Chewing Gums That Are Safe During Pregnancy

Moderate consumption of chewing gums containing the following sweeteners is considered safe (2) (16).

• Aspartame
• Sucralose 
• Stevia
• Polyols, also referred to as sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and sorbitol
• Glucose, fructose, and sucrose from natural sources such as corn syrup, cane sugar, and fruits

Chewing Gums That Are Unsafe During Pregnancy

According to the American Pregnancy Association (APA), certain artificial sweeteners are unsafe for pregnant women. Thus, avoid eating chewing gums that contain the following artificial sweeteners (2) (16).

• Saccharin, as it can cross the placenta and remain in the fetus
• Cyclamate, as it is banned in the US and has insufficient safety data
• Neotame, because of its lack of safety evidence in pregnancy
• Acesulfame potassium, as it can cross the placenta

You should also avoid chewing gums that contain harmful additives, including (17):

• Titanium dioxide
• Synthetic food dyes, such as Red Dye No. 3

Precautions To Take While Chewing Gum In Pregnancy

Besides checking the ingredients present in the chewing gum and being mindful of any dental problems, observe the following precautions.

• Limit chewing gums to a short duration and preferably after meals
• Opt for gums from well-known brands  
• Stick to natural or organic gums
• Prefer chewing gums with no colors or natural colors
• Reduce chewing gum duration and frequency if you observe clicking sounds from your jaw often
• Stop chewing gum if it gives you jaw pain or headache

Infographic: Safe And Unsafe Chewing Gum Artificial Sweeteners

Pregnant women may crave chewing gums to ease their nausea. However, while chewing gums may be considerably safe, it is important to check the label for information on the ingredients, as some of these artificial sweeteners may be harmful. The infographic below contains a list of some safe and unsafe artificial sweeteners and additives of chewing gum you should know.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Chewing Gum While Pregnant - Is It Safe?

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Are you wondering if chewing gum is safe during pregnancy and what would happen if you swallowed it? Find out in this video, where we discuss the safety and potential risks of gum while pregnant.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Kay LakkaMSc

Kay Lakka is the founder of Londontherapy, a busy psychological practice in the center of London. She holds a BSc (hons) in psychology and MSc in the psychodynamics of human development and has numerous post graduate diplomas including advanced psychotherapy, guidance through dreams, and psychosexual relationship counseling.

Read full bio of Kay Lakka

• 
  Dr. Laura PurdyMD, MBA Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.
  
  Dr. Laura Purdy is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience. Previously a performing pianist, she later did her graduation in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Ball State University and attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After graduating with a family medicine residency at Georgia’s Martin Army Hospital, she joined as a US Army physician.

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

Read full bio of Reshmi Das

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Lorraine TeronMSc

Lorraine is a postgraduate in Life Science from Mount Carmel College and previously worked as a freelance scientific illustrator. As a project associate and lab technician at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Lorraine received valuable insights into Covid-19, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and neuro-degenerative diseases.

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