Have you ever wondered what the advantages of gum chewing are? Because whenever you ask a group of individuals whether chewing gum is beneficial or harmful to your health, you’re going to hear a wide range of responses. This is due to the fact that chewing gum is a mixed bag in terms of dental and general health.
Chewing Gum: What is it?
Chewing gum is a rubbery, squishy material that is meant to be chewed rather than swallowed.
Chewing gums come in a variety of flavors, yet they always contain the same fundamental ingredients:
- The chewing gum itself. It is the rubbery, non-digestible basis that gives gum its chewy texture.
- Resin is generally applied to reinforce and keep the gum in place.
- Fillers Gum texture is given by fillers such as calcium carbonate or talc.
- Preservatives To lengthen the shelf life, they are added. Butylated hydroxytoluene is the most commonly used organic chemical.
- Softeners. These are used to keep the gum from hardening and to keep it wet. Waxes such as paraffin or vegetable oils can be used.
- Sweeteners such as cane sugar, beet sugar, and corn syrup are widely used. Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, or artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, are used in sugar-free gums.
- To give gum the required flavor, either natural or synthetic flavorings are applied.
To address this essential topic, we’ll need to look into many different elements of how chewing gum impacts your mouth and your entire body. Chewing gum has a few impacts:
- Regardless of whether the gum includes sugar or not. Still, the majority of gum chewing comprises artificial sweeteners that are harmful to your health.
- According to a 2013 academic study on eating patterns, those who chew gum are less likely to eat healthy things like fruits and veggies. In fact, they are more likely to eat dangerous items like potato chips and candies. Tooth decay can result from eating these less nutritious foods.
- Mercury from mercury amalgam fillings may be released if you chew gum.
- Gum chewing, particularly when it’s loaded with sugar, can potentially cause tooth damage and erosion. When you swallow sugar-sweetened gum, you are effectively soaking your teeth and gums in a bath of sugar for a long time.
THE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS IN CHEWING GUM AND ITS POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Since the gum base is never eaten, most people don’t think about the substances in the gum they chew. Your teeth and gums, on the other hand, are still exposed to these components. Many of the flavoring compounds are swallowed as the gum is eaten. And remember, the chewing process extracts the flavoring components. Many of the substances may be absorbed straight via your tongue lining, which is also incredibly absorbent.
- DAMAGES TO THE TOOTH
The practice of chewing gum on a daily basis can cause excessive enamel wear on your teeth and even changes in your bite alignment. The top molars can gradually expand apart. And the lower molars gradually migrate backward, resulting in an overbite. If the habit goes unchecked, it will ultimately lead to the need for orthodontic treatment to fix it. The teeth may also become sensitive to hot or cold meals and beverages, as well as acidic foods over time.
- CAN CAUSE CAVITIES
Sugar-free gum is frequently recommended by dentists. However, there’s a risk associated with artificial sweeteners from chewing gum that is not sugar-free. It can increase your chance of developing cavities by exposing your teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. If you consume sweet gum on a frequent basis, the danger is increased.
- MAY LEAD TO HEADACHES
Frequent gum chewing has resulted in headaches, particularly in younger people. The jaw muscles have become weary as a result of this. Gum chewing is a technique for dealing with stress, like taking a difficult test. And generally, causes headaches. As a result of the stress, chewing becomes harder and quicker, which worsens the problem and results in a severe headache.
Is there anything negative about chewing gum?
While there are some advantages to chewing gum, it is possible that too much gum might have negative consequences.
What type of chewing gum should you use?
When you enjoy bubble gum, choose a sugar-free gum manufactured with xylitol. Check your gum’s list of ingredients to be sure it doesn’t include any substances that you are allergic to. For assistance in selecting which form of gum is best for you, see a dentist or a dietician.
REMEMBER:
Chewing sugar-free gum may have a favorable impact on your teeth. It can remove plaque and dangerous germs from the teeth and gum surfaces, which may help to avoid cavities. Just bear in mind that chewing gum isn’t always a good idea. Chewing gum contains components that have been shown to be safe for people to eat. In fact, chewing may provide significant mental and physical health benefits! Gum chewing, on the other hand, may cause negative side effects in certain people, such as jaw discomfort or headaches. It’s better to reduce chewing if you know it’s causing you trouble. A stick or two of gum between meals isn’t a bad idea if you’re on the go.
Your teeth and gums are very significant since they are the first points of contact with the rest of your body. It’s critical to take good care of them and be aware of how what you put in your mouth has an impact on the rest of your body.
The Bottom Line
Depending on how you chew your gum, it may be either very bad for your teeth or very good for them. This is all dependent on the type of gum that you’re chewing. If you chew sugary gum on a frequent basis, you are at risk of acquiring dental caries.
Do you have any advice or thoughts on how to keep your mouth and breath clean? Please let us know what you think in the space below.
