Is
gum chewing a healthy or dangerous habit? This is a question we
are asked quite often. And the answer is…..both! Here are some
facts about gum chewing, and we’ll let you decide the answer!
RISK:
Many
gums contain sugar, which may taste great, but cause tooth decay
(cavities) and other health-related problems. Why would anyone choose
to smash sugar directly against their teeth?
BENEFIT:
Sugar-free
gums don’t contain any ingredients which rot your teeth, and the
chewing stimulates the flow of saliva, which may actually help
prevent cavities.
RISK:
Gum
chewing can cause inflammation and discomfort in the
temperomandibular joint (TMJ) – the joint which connects your lower
jaw to your skull. This can trigger a syndrome which includes pain,
headaches, earaches and toothaches!
BENEFIT:
Gum
can help freshen the breath after eating stinky foods such as onions
and garlic, and relieve dry mouth, which also can promote gross mouth
odors. (Bad breath that is present on a constant basis is usually a
sign of a more serious dental problem.)
RISK:
Gum
chewing can cause some unwanted and embarrassing problems at the
other end! “Chewing
gum can contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as excess air can be
swallowed, which contributes to abdominal pain and bloating,” says
Dr. Patrick Takahashi, chief of gastroenterology at St. Vincent
Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. In addition to swallowing
air, artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol can cause
diarrhea in otherwise healthy people.
BENEFIT:
According
to studies performed by the British Psychological Society, gum
chewing increases blood flow to the brain and actually can help with
alertness and memory!
RISK:
While
many think that gum chewing curbs the appetite, a recent study in the
Journal of Eating Behavior reports that chewing minty gum makes one
reduce the intake of healthy foods such as fruit, and increase
consumption of potato chips and other junk food. (We wonder what a
Doritos flavored gum would do!!)
BENEFIT:
Chewing
sugar-free gum can actually reduce the amount of plaque on your teeth
and neutralize harmful mouth acids, causing a reduction in cavities.
So
what do you think? At my office, we feel that
chewing sugar-free gum in moderation can be a healthy habit as long
as it doesn’t cause TMJ discomfort or other side effects. Whether
you should chew gum during your next job interview – well that’s
your call!!
If
you have any questions about this or any other dental issues, or
would like to make an appointment for a dental exam, cleaning, or
consultation, please give us a call at 908-245-1745. We are here for
you!