Chewing gum - benefit or harm if chewed constantly

About 560 thousand tons of chewing gum are bought annually in the world, which is estimated at about $ 5 billion (~298 billion rubles) and 187 billion hours of chewing. But few people use the product for its intended purpose – for oral hygiene. So how does this habit affect the body?

doctor of integrative medicine, therapist, infectious disease specialist of UniProf Academy of Physicians

The main reason for the use of chewing gum is bad breath. And in certain cases it really helps to solve problems.

But are there any norms, how long you can chew, how many times a day? And what can gum abuse lead to?

We tell you about five unpleasant consequences of chewing gum abuse.

Innholdsfortegnelse

Headache

If you chew gum for more than one hour a day, there is a chance of a headache. This is due to excessive strain on the chewing muscles and temporomandibular joint. This is more likely to occur in people with a tendency toward tension headaches and migraines. In one study, subjects were asked to give up chewing gum for a month – 2/3 had no pain at all, 1/3 had less pain.

Problems with the jaw

Due to constant pressure on the temporomandibular joint, pronounced dysfunction can occur. Initially, there is a crunching or clicking noise in the joint, but in the future, if you ignore the symptoms, the problem can worsen.

For example, chewing a rubber band for one or two hours a day will only cause muscle pain, but chewing for three hours will cause joint pain.

Tooth damage

If you chew gum with sugar in it every day, it can lead to plaque, tartar and cavities. Read about products that have a similar effect in the material at the link.

Artificial flavorings and preservatives can also lead to yellowing, thinning of enamel and destruction of teeth. People with amalgam fillings chewing gum is strongly discouraged, as mercury (included in the fillings) can get into the blood.

Disorders in the stomach and intestines

Constant chewing (two or more hours a day) gives a signal to the body that food is about to arrive. Digestive juices and enzymes are then produced to help digest the food.

If this happens day after day for several years, it can lead to gastrointestinal disorders. Then, when real food is ingested, the body will not be able to secrete important substances in the right amount. In addition, the presence of artificial sweeteners can cause diarrhea.

Effect on appetite

Periodically, gum is tried to be used to reduce feelings of hunger. But it, on the contrary, can increase appetite. This is explained by the fact that the body releases the necessary enzymes, stomach acid and then sends a signal to the brain that it is in anticipation of food.

By the way, mint can give fruits and vegetables a bitter taste. Therefore, there is an increased likelihood that instead of healthy food you may be drawn to the “wrong” foods: fast food, confectionery, sweets, etc.

How often you can chew gum

A healthy person has no reason to refuse chewing gum. You just need to know a few rules.

Chew gum for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time and no more than three times a day.
Choose sugar-free options, preferably based on xylitol (it has a beneficial effect on the condition of teeth and fights plaque).
Chew after meals. So you will help the gastrointestinal tract to allocate an adequate amount of necessary substances for digestion of food.
If you favor only sweet gums, you should limit your sugar intake from other sources.

Chewing gum can only be an auxiliary way to keep your teeth clean. Oral hygiene is a priority: brushing twice a day, flossing, annual checkups and professional cleanings at the dentist.

If you experience discomfort in your jaw, stomach or headache, it’s a reason to pay attention to how often and how long you chew gum. It may be worth seeing a dentist. Read about four unusual reasons to make an appointment with a dentist in the material at the link.