Advantages of Chewing Gum: Alleviating Stress, Boosting Health, and Enhancing Oral Hygiene
Revised Article:
Hellooo, folks! It seems that munching on a stick of gum can be more than just a lifetime obsession or a cool lifestyle statement. But oh boy, does it actually do good for you? You betcha!
Whether you're Team Extra or Team Big Red, here's the lowdown on why gum munching might just be your ticket to a healthier lifestyle.
The Sweet Benefits of Chewing Gum
You know that gum under your high school desk was ancient? Well, guess what? Chewing gum is an old school practice that dates back to ancient times, where people would chew tree sap for fun (or so we think.)
Nowadays, gum is made from these man-made magical ingredients:
- Elastomers: Synthetic rubber-like substances that make gum chewy and enjoyable.
- Resins: Plant-based or synthetic ingredients that help hold the gum together.
- Waxes or oils: Help the gum maintain a soft texture and become chewier when warm.
- Fillers: Ingredients like calcium carbonate or talc can give the gum some texture and bite.
- Flavorings: Natural or artificial goodies that give your gum that signature minty or fruity taste.
- Sweeteners: Gum can be sweetened with natural sugars or sugar substitutes like aspartame, stevia, or sugar alcohols.
9 solid reasons to Pop that Gum:
It's hard to believe that noshing on a bunch of synthetic stuff could be good for you, but science says otherwise. Here's how certain ingredients and the act of chewing can improve your health:
1. Help Keep Stress at Bay
Ever found yourself craving a stick of gum during a long study session or a run? It could be because chewing gum helps lower stress levels. A small research review of 20 studies on gum and stress found evidence that gum can reduce stress in work and educational settings. In a study of 100 students, researchers found that chewing gum before exams improved test scores.
2. Boost Your Brainpower
Chewing gum has been linked to better cognition and memory. A study with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests found that chewing gum activates the part of the brain associated with memory. But experts say further research is needed to determine whether chewing gum could prevent memory loss or improve memory in people with brain injury.
3. Do Some Good for Your Pearly Whites
Chewing sugar-free gum can actually be beneficial for your teeth (just make sure it's sugar-free, folks!) Chewing sugar-free gum after you eat can help clean food off your teeth, increase salivation to fight plaque, and rebuild enamel.
There's even evidence that gum containing xylitol (a sugar alcohol used to sweeten gum) changes the bacteria in your mouth. In a small study with 70 Japanese men, researchers evaluated the effect of chewing gum with xylitol on microorganisms in the men's saliva. The group who chewed gum with xylitol had a significantly lower number of bacteria in their saliva than the control group.
4. Prevent Ear Infections
You know how chewing gum can help pop your ears during flight? It turns out that the ingredients, not the act of chewing, may help with ear infections.
Remember that sugar alcohol xylitol we mentioned? Xylitol has been studied as a preventative for ear infections in children. Whether given to kids in a chewing gum, lozenge, or syrup, a research review found that xylitol seemed to help prevent bacterial infections by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae that can lead to ear infections. But researchers noted that we need larger studies to know for sure, and it only seemed to benefit already healthy kids.
5. Kick that Smoking Habit to the Curb
While a regular piece of gum might help pass the time when you're trying to kick cigarettes, there are better gums for the job. A 2013 research review showed that nicotine replacement therapy, which includes the use of nicotine gum, is 80 percent more effective at helping people quit smoking than the placebo. Using two forms of nicotine replacement therapy is even more effective.
6. Speedy Gut Recovery After Surgery
Abdominal surgery can be rough on your digestion. There's evidence that chewing gum can kick-start your sluggish intestines.
According to a small research review of 10 studies (including 1,659 participants), chewing gum improved the recovery of intestinal function after having a cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section. Chewing gum also seems to help people recover from colon surgery.
7. Get Rid of Heartburn
Pop a stick of gum after meals to ease indigestion and the dreaded heartburn. Because chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, it can help wash down digestive juices and improve reflux symptoms.
8. Satisfy Your Thirst
Chewing gum won't replace good ol' H20, but there is some evidence that it can temporarily relieve thirst and dry mouth. A small research review of 12 studies found that the increase in saliva from chewing gum helped relieve thirst and dry mouth. So, while you should still drink plenty of water, gum is a decent thirst quencher in a pinch.
9. See the World Clearly
We need more evidence, but in a small study with 46 adults, researchers found that chewing gum might aid eye focus. So, while your glasses are still your best bet, gum might help you see a bit better when needed.
What's the Catch?
Chewing sugar-free gum is generally safe, and many sugar-free chewing gums earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means it is considered safe by dentists.
But always check those ingredients! Gum containing sugar may increase the risk of cavities, so sugar-free gum is the way to go for your chompers. Gum containing acids like citric acid may also lower plaque pH and potentially harm enamel. Sugar alcohols like xylitol might also cause digestive distress if consumed in large amounts, so remember not to swallow your gum!
The Gist
Chewing sugar-free gum is a relatively harmless habit, and it can have some unexpected health benefits. At the very least, it can help keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy. So go ahead, reach for that stick of gum! Just make sure it's sugar-free.
- Although gum munching may seem to only have added symptoms like increased saliva production, it can also provide care for oral health, particularly when chewing sugar-free gum, as it helps clean food off the teeth, increase salivation to fight plaque, and rebuild enamel.
- Furthermore, the act of chewing gum can drawbacks like causing digestive distress if sugar alcohols like xylitol are consumed in large amounts, or potentially harming enamel if gum contains acids like citric acid.
- A small research review found that while chewing gum can improve test scores and reduce stress in work and educational settings, it remains to be seen whether it can prevent memory loss or improve memory in people with brain injury, as further research is needed to determine its full impact on brain health.
