Is Chewing Gum Really Bad for You?
Chewing gum is an incredibly popular habit for many people for a large number of reasons. Popping a piece of gum in your mouth is said to reduce stress, curb food cravings, help you quit smoking and can simply be enjoyable. What most people don’t consider when they’re chewing gum is the effect it can have on their teeth. Although there can be positive effects for a gum-chewers oral health, there are some pretty clear negative ones too.
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Negative effects of chewing gum
There are many effects of chewing gum, both positive and negative. Although chewing gum may be an enjoyable habit, it’s worth keeping these negative effects in mind next time you pop a piece into your mouth!
It can damage your teeth
Gum that contains sugar can result in an increased rate of tooth decay, especially if you’re not following a good oral care routine to offset its presence. While sugar-free gum doesn’t have these damaging levels of sugar, they can cause tooth damage in other ways. The increased concentration of acidic flavourings can cause the erosion of your teeth, leading to calcium being slowly leeched from them, potentially leading to some significant damage.
It can cause digestive issues
Chewing gum tricks your body into thinking that you’re eating which prompts your stomach to begin releasing acids and enzymes that are used to digest food. This can lead to a number of different digestive issues, including bloating. The artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free gums can also cause digestive issues in healthy people.
Gum chewing can lead to a joint disorder
If you chew gum excessively it’s possible that it may cause or worsen a painful jaw joint disorder called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
It can cause cavities
If you don’t stick to sugar-free gum it’s likely that you will put yourself at risk of developing cavities thanks to the prolonged exposure to sugar while chewing. The more you chew gum, the higher your risk will be.
Creates wear on your enamel and can change tooth alignment
Chewing gum too often can lead to increased wear on tooth enamel and potentially even changes to the alignment of your teeth. Visiting a dentist regularly can help you stay ahead of any potential alignment issues, as these can be hard to correct if you wait too long to treat them.
Sugar free gum is the way to go
While there are some positive effects of chewing gum, all of them hinge on the practice of choosing sugar free gum. It is common knowledge that excessive sugar consumption can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so it makes sense that chewing gum that contains sugar is sure to result in the same.
There are a number of benefits that can come with chewing sugar free gum, including:
Prevents tooth decay
Chewing sugar free gum can help neutralize the acid that is produced in your mouth while food is being broken down, which can help prevent tooth decay.
Reduces the development of plaque
The increased saliva production that comes with chewing gum can help prevent plaque from being developed.
Can reduce bad bacteria
Xylitol, the sweetener that is most commonly used in place of sugar in sugar-free gum, can actually help prevent tooth decay by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Positively affects your brain
Chewing gum can help improve alertness, focus and memory by increasing the blood flow to your brain and stimulating it to better retain information.
Suppresses cravings
Chewing gum can help distract your body and brain from craving things like smoking and snacking.
An oral health routine is key
While chewing gum here and there isn’t going to lead to many of the effects mentioned here, if you have a gum habit that has you chewing gum on a regular basis these are things you’ll want to keep in mind. Maintaining a good oral care routine to promote healthy teeth and gums is the best way to combat any potential issues that you may experience from a gum habit.
