Chewing gum is an excellent equivalent to candy, and all children love and enjoy to chew gum. However, research shows that sugary gum can cause cavities and tooth decay. The question is: at what age can moms give candyfloss to their kids?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the appropriate age for children to chew gum is four or above. Parents must not give chewing gum to children below the age of four because they tend to swallow it, which can lead to various potential health issues. Read on!
Are Chewing Gums safe for Children?
Candyfloss usually tastes good, and many children who have learned not to swallow can find it delicious. Many parents don’t give chewing gums to their kids because they think gums can stay in their stomachs for years.
However, this is a misconception because even if your child swallows the gum, he will pass it normally in feces. If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend you teach your children the chewing concept. Research shows that most children don’t know how to chew gum until they reach four.
Therefore, it is wise to give them half a stick to reduce to streamline the process of chewing and reduce the risk of swallowing. Likewise, as a parent, you have to remind your child about not swallowing the gum every time you serve him. Make sure you don’t give your kid a lot of chewing gums.
In other words, your child must not chew gums regularly, as this can cause many health issues. These include digestive tract problems like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Chewing gum is also the culprit behind excessive gas, mouth ulcers, dental decay, tooth cavities, and jaw problems due to repeated chewing motion.
How to choose the safe gum for your child?
There are hundreds of chewing gum products available on the market. However, choosing the right one is not always easy. According to the American Dental Association, parents should give non-sugary gums to children occasionally.
Avoid giving sugary gums to your child as they increase acid levels in the mouth. The purpose is to stimulate more saliva and prevent the risk of cavities. Guns approved by the Association contains a safe ingredient called Xylitol. It is a sweetener found in veggies and fruits. Xylitol-based chewing gum works best for four years old children.
Final Words
In general, chewing gums are safe for children at age four or above. However, you must avoid sugary gum or those that contain synthetic ingredients. If your child swallows a large amount of candyfloss, it can cause a blockage.
Because children have adult teeth come in between the ages of 6 and 7, giving them Xylitol-based chewing gum is beneficial. For instance, it increases saliva in the mouth and helps prevent acids that can lead to cavities. We recommend encouraging your children to maintain proper dental hygiene to mitigate the effects of gums.