What Are The Pros and Cons of Chewing Gum?

Chewing gum is a common habit amongst both children and adults. While it can have some positive effects, such as promoting better focus or helping to freshen breath, there are also some potential negatives that should be taken into consideration. What are the pros and cons of chewing gum? Let's break down what you should know about chewing gum.

The Pros Of Chewing Gum

1. Reduces Stress

Chewing gum can help reduce stress by calming an anxious mind. Research suggests that people who chew gum experience lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than those who don’t. It works to calm your nerves because it engages the muscles of the face and jaw which causes a relaxation response throughout the body.

2. Improves Dental Health

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help protect your teeth from cavities by increasing saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum helps keep your teeth healthy by increasing saliva production which helps remove food particles from between your teeth and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in plaque on teeth. This action reduces tooth decay caused by acid erosion. Plus, studies have found that people who chewed sugar-free gum after meals had less dental plaque buildup than those who didn't.

3. Eliminates Bad Breath and Dry Mouth

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production which is important for keeping your mouth moist and free from bacteria that cause bad breath and dry mouth. Additionally, some gums contain ingredients like xylitol which have been found to fight off bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Saliva also helps wash away food particles stuck between teeth while also reducing dry mouth caused by dehydration or certain medications.

4. Addresses Upset Stomachs

Chewing gum has also been found to be helpful for those suffering from upset stomachs due to indigestion or acid reflux disease. Chewing stimulates the production of bicarbonate ions in saliva which helps neutralize stomach acid and reduce symptoms such as heartburn or discomfort. Chewing also increases blood flow toward the digestive tract which helps accelerate digestion and alleviate indigestion symptoms like bloating or gas pains.

While chewing gum is generally considered harmless, it can have some negative side effects and lead to some health issues if consumed in excess. Let’s take a look at the potential downsides of chewing gum.

The Cons Of Chewing Gum

1. Tooth Decay

Chewing sugar-containing gum can lead to tooth decay due to an increase in plaque production. This is especially true if you chew frequently throughout the day or night. If you're going to chew gum, make sure it does not contain sugar or any other type of sweetener; instead, opt for sugarless varieties that are specifically designed to help prevent tooth decay.

2. Bloating

Another potential disadvantage of chewing gum is bloating due to the air that gets swallowed when you chew. Swallowing too much air can cause gas in your digestive system and lead to uncomfortable levels of bloating. To avoid this problem, try not to chew too quickly or chew more than one piece at a time. Additionally, avoid chewing gum with caffeine or other stimulants as these may contribute further to bloating and discomfort.

3. Health Conditions & Jaw Joint Disorders

Chewing gum may also stimulate certain health conditions, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which results from problems with the jaw muscles or joints due to excessive strain on them from chewing activities like gum-chewing or teeth grinding. Symptoms may include pain around the ear area, difficulty opening/closing your mouth properly, clicking noises when opening/closing your mouth, headaches, neck pain and shoulder aches among others. If you experience these symptoms after chewing gum for extended periods of time then it is best to stop immediately and consult a physician if need be.

4. Damage to the Social Environment

Finally, excessive gum-chewing can damage your social environment by creating a negative impression on those around you who don't appreciate loud smacking noises or sticky residue left behind on surfaces after you've finished your piece of gum. It's important to be aware of how others perceive your habits and make sure they don't negatively affect those around you.

Conclusion:

Chewing gum has both its pros and cons depending on how frequently and what kind you choose to chew. Sugar-free gums may help freshen breath after eating but they also contain artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive distress if consumed in excess; additionally they still contain carbohydrates which will eventually break down into sugars and starches that could potentially lead to cavities if not monitored properly! Furthermore, excessive amounts of chewing can lead to jaw pain or headaches so it's important to pay attention to how long and often you're consuming each piece! Ultimately though, if done responsibly with moderation—chewing gum could be helpful for freshening breath after meals or combating boredom during idle moments but it's important to always keep track of how much you're actually consuming so as not to overdo it!