Can Chewing Gum Help With Acid Reflux

If you’ve ever felt that burning sensation in your chest after a meal or noticed a sour taste in your mouth that lingers, you’re not alone. Acid reflux and its chronic form, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) affects millions of people. While lifestyle changes and medications are commonly used to manage it, there's another tool that might help soothe your symptoms: chewing gum.

Yes, gum. But before you pop a piece into your mouth, here’s what you need to know about how chewing gum interacts with acid reflux, and how to choose the best type for your symptoms.

What Is Acid Reflux and GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) the muscle that acts as a barrier between your stomach and esophagus relaxes when it shouldn't, allowing stomach acid to move upward. When this happens frequently or severely, it’s classified as GERD.

Common symptoms of GERD include:

• Heartburn

• Chronic dry cough

• Difficulty swallowing

• Bad breath

• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth

• Frequent burping

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, GERD can lead to complications if left untreated, including damage to the esophagus or, in rare cases, esophageal cancer.

How Chewing Gum May Help

Chewing gum increases saliva production a key factor in neutralizing acid. “Saliva acts as a natural buffer,” says Kristi King, RDN, LD, senior pediatric dietitian at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It doesn’t reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces, but it does help neutralize it and clear it from the esophagus more quickly.”

Here's how it works:

• Saliva promotes frequent swallowing, helping push acid back down into the stomach

• Higher pH levels in saliva reduce acidity in the mouth and esophagus

• Chewing gum post-meal (especially within 30 minutes) may reduce reflux symptoms, as shown in a small Journal of Dental Research study

Though the research is promising, it's worth noting that studies to date have been small. Still, the potential benefits and low risk make gum an easy remedy to try.

Avoid Mint-Flavored Gum

Before you reach for a stick, be mindful of the flavor especially if you’re sensitive to mint. Peppermint and spearmint are known to potentially relax the LES, which may worsen acid reflux for some people.

While not all research confirms this effect, many people with GERD report that mint worsens their symptoms. "Nutrition is personal," King says. “If mint is a trigger for you, it’s best to avoid it.”

Best Gum for Acid Reflux Relief

When choosing gum for reflux, here are your best options:

• Sugar-free gum: It doesn’t directly help reflux more than regular gum, but it’s better for your teeth, especially since many reflux medications can cause dry mouth.

• Bicarbonate gum: Some gums include sodium bicarbonate, a natural base your body produces to neutralize acid. A small Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology study found that bicarbonate gum helped raise the pH level in the esophagus better than regular sugar-free gum.

• Fruit or cinnamon flavors (without mint): These are often better tolerated for people with reflux.

In addition to reflux relief, sugar-free gum may support oral health by increasing saliva flow, which washes away bacteria and helps prevent cavities especially helpful if reflux is contributing to enamel erosion.

When and How to Use Gum for Reflux

• Chew gum for 20 to 30 minutes after meals to stimulate saliva and neutralize acid.

• Avoid chewing on an empty stomach, which could stimulate acid production.

• If you experience jaw discomfort or TMJ, chewing gum regularly may not be ideal try other saliva-boosting techniques like sipping water or sucking on xylitol mints instead.

The Bottom Line

Chewing gum won’t cure acid reflux, but it can be a helpful addition to your management strategy especially when paired with dietary adjustments and medical guidance. Just steer clear of mint if it tends to trigger your symptoms, and opt for sugar-free or bicarbonate gum for the best possible effect.

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