HEALTH
The 4 benefits of chewing gum and the negative impacts to watch out for
From minty-fresh to watermelon sugar highs, there’s much more than flavor to consider when sticking some gum in your mouth.
Chewing gum can help keep your mouth clean or even relax your mind. However, frequent chewing can lead to jaw pain or stomach discomfort. Should you reconsider your consumption?
It’s common for people to wonder if chewing gum is bad or if it’s a beneficial practice. The confusion arises because — although it’s often seen as a harmless way to freshen breath and stimulate saliva production — its ingredients and frequent use can cause certain problems that are worth knowing about.
Chewing gum has existed since ancient times, and the practice of chewing it without swallowing has persisted through the centuries. Modern gum, made from a base of synthetic rubber, sweeteners, and flavorings, is considered safe for human consumption.
However, some of its ingredients may have unexpected effects, and constant chewing can lead to discomfort or problems with dental health. Here’s what you should know about this product before you chew your next piece of gum.
Effects of gum on the jaw
To understand how chewing gum affects oral health, it’s important to know how the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) work. These joints are located just in front of each ear and consist of bones, a disc, and a network of muscles and ligaments that connect the lower jaw to the base of the skull, allowing the mouth to open, close, and move.
Normally, these structures work to chew food, an essential process for digestion. However, chewing gum involves a repetitive movement that is unrelated to any oral function, and so it is considered a “parafunction.”
Frequent use of gum and the resulting excessive chewing places undue stress on the TMJ, muscles, and teeth, leading to imbalance and misalignment, which can cause significant strain. This can result in:
- Tooth fractures
- Jaw pain
- Ear and neck pain
- Limited mouth movement
- Popping or clicking in one or both TMJ
Studies show a strong connection between the habit of chewing gum daily and TMJ disorders. For those already suffering from this condition, chewing gum can worsen the discomfort. However, this isn’t the only issue. Here are other symptoms associated with frequent gum chewing:
Headaches
Some studies suggest that chewing gum daily may be linked to chronic headaches. Symptoms often appear, particularly in people who suffer from migraines and tension headaches.
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, it’s recommended that those with such problems consider limiting their gum consumption.
Gastrointestinal issues
Some chewing gums contain sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, and erythritol. These sweeteners can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people.
Due to their ability to draw water into the intestines and be fermented by bacteria, they can cause diarrhea and flatulence. Additionally, sugar alcohols have been linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes digestive discomfort such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
Ingredients: are they safe?
In general, chewing gum is considered safe for most people. However, some types contain controversial ingredients, though in amounts much lower than levels considered harmful.
Here are some of the more debated components:
- Food dyes: Some artificial colorings, such as Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5, have been associated with health issues, though they are approved by the FDA. By contrast, the European Union prohibits certain additives and requires warnings on products containing them.
- Aspartame: This artificial sweetener is highly controversial. Some studies suggest it may be carcinogenic in rodents. However, the FDA maintains that it is safe in recommended amounts, except for people with phenylketonuria, a condition that requires limiting phenylalanine, a component of aspartame.
- Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): This food additive is used to prevent fats in food from going rancid. While considered safe for consumption at approved doses, there are concerns about its safety in high doses, as it’s linked to potential carcinogenic effects.
- Titanium dioxide: Used to whiten and add texture to products, it has been associated with damage to the nervous system and other organs in animal studies. Despite these findings, the safe dose has not been well-defined, and more research is needed to determine harmless exposure levels.
While the ingredients and doses used in chewing gum are typically safe and pose no significant risks, it’s important to be informed about its content, especially if you have specific health concerns.
4 benefits of chewing gum occasionally
Chewing gum every day and frequently can affect the jaw or cause headaches. However, occasional or mindful use can have some health benefits.
1. Cavity reduction
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps clean the teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. This fluid in the mouth removes food debris and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, which can demineralize teeth.
Additionally, the artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gum, like xylitol and sorbitol, are not fermented by oral bacteria. This means they don’t contribute to the formation of cavities. In fact, some studies suggest xylitol can inhibit the growth of germs responsible for tooth decay and gingivitis. Chewing sugar-free gum can be a useful alternative for cleaning the mouth when a toothbrush isn’t available. However, it’s important to remember that it should not replace brushing and flossing.
2. Alleviates dry mouth
Chewing gum can help alleviate dry mouth, or xerostomia, which occurs when the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. This lack of moisture can cause bad breath and, over time, increase the risk of cavities.
As mentioned earlier, chewing gum stimulates saliva production. However, frequent use isn’t the best way to treat dry mouth. Finding the cause of the condition, drinking enough water, and, in severe cases, taking medication to treat it are more effective and healthier long-term solutions.
3. Improves bad breath
Chewing gum can be an effective way to reduce bad breath, especially if it contains specific ingredients that combat the compounds responsible for bad odors. Gums with probiotics like Lactobacillus, zinc acetate, magnolia bark extract, or eucalyptus have proven useful in treating halitosis.
These ingredients can help neutralize the bacteria that produce sulfur compounds, which are considered the main cause of bad breath. Additionally, chewing stimulates saliva production and promotes natural mouth cleaning.
4. Reduces stress
Chewing gum has been associated with improvements in brain function, including increased alertness, memory, comprehension, and decision-making. Studies suggest this practice can help reduce levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, providing immediate relief in moments of high mental demand.
Considerations for gum consumption
Chewing gum may seem like a harmless action. However, if done frequently or with sugary products, the consequences can be negative.
- Choose sugar-free gum: Always opt for sugar-free gums, preferably sweetened with xylitol, as sugary ones can contribute to cavity formation.
- Maintain oral hygiene: Gum should not replace brushing and flossing. It can be a complement after meals, but you should maintain a complete oral hygiene routine.
- Limit frequency: Even if you don’t have jaw problems, you shouldn’t chew more than one piece of gum per day, and it should not stay in your mouth for more than 15 minutes to avoid potential discomfort or dental issues.
- Pay attention to your jaw: If you suffer from TMJ dysfunction, hear noises when opening or closing your mouth, or frequently experience jaw, ear, or head pain, it’s better to avoid chewing gum.
Visit your dentist
Now that you know chewing sugar-free gum occasionally can offer some oral health benefits, such as cavity prevention and fresher breath, excessive use or choosing sugary products can have negative effects on your teeth and jaw.
To ensure the best care for your oral health, it’s best to visit your dentist, just as we verified everything in this article via dentist Paula Vidal. They can assess your specific needs, answer any questions about gum use, and offer personalized recommendations to keep your mouth healthy.