What Happens to Your Body When You Chew Gum Every Day

Chewing gum has become a common habit in today’s world. But how it affects your overall health could be a question of your health. It offers a quick breath freshener or could be a way to pass your time. In this article, we will discuss what happens to your body when you make chewing gum a daily routine, all of its positive as well as negative aspects and which chewing gums to choose for better oral health. Knowing what happens to your body when you chew gum every day is essential.

Impact Of Chewing Gum on Overall Health

Chewing gum has long been synonymous with fresh breath, but its impact on oral health goes beyond minty flavours. Some of the surprising benefits of chewing gum on oral health are as follows

Increased Saliva Production

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which acts as a natural cleanser, washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. It contains enzymes and minerals that aid in breaking down and eliminating substances that can contribute to discolouration. It also helps in neutralizing acids in the mouth, preventing the erosion of tooth enamel and reducing the risk of cavities. [1]

Prevention of Dry Mouth

For individuals with dry cough and dry mouth, a common issue, chewing gum can stimulate saliva flow, providing relief and reducing discomfort. The increased saliva flow helps maintain the necessary moisture levels in the mouth, preventing dryness.

Plaque Reduction and Cavity Prevention

Chewing gum, especially sugar-free varieties containing xylitol can disrupt the formation of plaque on teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.

Saliva stimulated by gum chewing contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphate, contributing to enamel remineralization and strengthening. The act of chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and the saliva, rich in minerals like calcium and phosphate, aids in the remineralization and strengthening of tooth enamel. This combined effect contributes to maintaining better oral health and reducing the likelihood of dental issues such as cavities.

Fresh Breath Maintenance

Chewing gum helps mask unpleasant odours, providing a quick and convenient solution for maintaining fresh breath throughout the day. The strong and pleasant taste of the gum can override less desirable smells, providing a quick solution to combat bad breath.

Chewing gum as a sweet management tool

Chewing gum can be a helpful tool for managing sweet cravings, offering a sugar-free and low-calorie alternative to traditional sweets. Sugar-free chewing gums are the best option if you crave sweetness.

Stress relief

Chewing gum is like a mini stress-buster. It helps ease tension, giving you a moment of relaxation during hectic times.

Cons of Chewing Gum Daily

Some of the cons of using chewing gum daily are as follows,

Chewing gum is linked to headache

A study shows that using Chewing gums daily could cause problems such as jaw pain and headaches. It results in many other pains such as migraine and tension headaches also. [2]

Chewing gums and jaw pains

Excessive use of chewing gums could also lead to joint pains such as jaw muscle imbalance in your jaw, especially if you chew on one side of the mouth more than the other.

The jaw muscles can become overworked and fatigued with prolonged and imbalanced chewing. This overexertion can contribute to muscle soreness and pain, extending to the jaw joint.

Weight loss and Appetite control

Normally chewing gums are used to control appetite but the act of chewing, even without consuming food, may trigger an insulin response, potentially affecting blood sugar levels.

However, these cons are not as significant as the pros of chewing gum excessively.

Which Chewing gums to choose?

Xylitol chewing gum is the most healthy option when it comes to chewing gum. Xylitol helps in maintaining overall health including physical and oral health. Chewing gums that use xylitol are a better option for your oral health as they are sugar-free and interfere with bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces, reducing plaque formation. Xylitol inhibits cavity-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of tooth decay.[3]

It not only prevents cavities but also freshens the breath.

So why not try Chewing gums for a healthy mouth?

When to stop using chewing gums?

Knowing when to stop using chewing gum is crucial for overall health. If you experience persistent jaw pain or discomfort, it’s a sign to stop using chewing gums, as overuse can contribute to jaw issues. Increased tooth sensitivity or pain may also indicate the need to cut back on gum consumption, especially if existing dental problems are present.

Conclusion

The daily consumption of chewing gum can have both positive and negative impacts on various aspects of health. On the positive side, chewing gum has been associated with improved concentration, enhanced memory, stress reduction, and even potential cognitive benefits. [4] Chewing gum can be a simple and accessible way to enhance certain aspects of well-being, it’s important to strike a balance and pay attention to any signs or symptoms that may indicate the need to adjust or limit gum consumption.

So why not give these chewing gums a chance with a balance?