Is chewing gum bad for your teeth? Chewing gum after a snack or meal stimulates salivary flow, clearing food from the mouth and neutralizing plaque acid. Gum Chewing stimulates saliva production by up to ten times the normal rate. Stimulating the salivary flow changes the chemistry of the saliva. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Saliva stimulated by chewing gum also has a greater buffering capacity, providing more relief from gastric reflux. Saliva plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. We still recommend seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and keep up with brushing and flossing to keep that smile healthy and avoid cavities.