The Skinny:
Here is something to chew on. More than 100,000 tons of gum are consumed every year. This leads to almost 400 trillion sticks of chewing gum being produced annually. The global chewing gum industry is therefore obviously anything but stretched thin. It amounts to almost $20 billion. And while the percentage of Americans chewing gum is down from earlier highs, close to 80 percent of adolescents and children have reported chewing gum in the last three months, while percent 60 percent of adults have done the game. In case anyone is wondering, the average piece of gum is chewed for 30 minutes. All this underscores the obvious. There is a lot of gum chewing going on. But is the practice harmless, beneficial or indifferent? WellWell has some answers on chewing gum truths. Read on.
The Slate:
Pain Producer
Constant gum chewing can lead to jaw pain, headaches and even tooth fractures because of the force it places on temporomandibular joints, muscles and teeth. This is why some doctors recommend limiting gum chewing to no more than 15 minutes daily.
Cavity Concerns
Gum makers have been putting sugar into their sticks almost from the start. It obviously makes gum more appealing. Unfortunately, the sugar helps promote tooth decay because the bacteria in a person’s mouth turn the sugar into acid, which destroys tooth enamel, leading to cavities. If the decay gets bad enough, root canals or tooth extractions are needed. This is the reason sugar-free gums, particularly those with xylitol, are recommended by dentists.
Tummy Tantrums
Chewing gum may cause stomach problems. The motion causes individuals to swallow air that can lead to bloating, cramping, gas and abdominal pain. It can also acerbate problems for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Gums with artificial sweeteners sorbitol and mannitol can also trigger attacks of diarrhea.
Additive Anxiety
Chewing gum contains a surprising number of food additives, including the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), the food additive titanium dioxide, dyes and the artificial sweetener aspartame. The amount of these ingredients in any stick of gum is admittedly small, but they have all been linked to potential health risks including cancer, headaches, obesity and organ damage. This provides yet another reason to keep a limit on chewing.
Stress Relief & Energy Boost
While some debate the validity of this research, studies have surfaced that claim chewing gum triggers greater alertness, cognitive functions and stronger decision-making. Other research suggests chewing can reduce depression, anxiety and stress.
Dental Care
It may sound counter-intuitive, but chewing the right sugar-free gum can actually help prevent cavities because it increases saliva production which is good for oral hygiene. Saliva helps wash away sugar and food particles in the mouth that can lead to the protection of bad bacteria causing tooth decay.
Anti Smoking Aid
The simple act of chewing gum can help people quit smoking because it distracts them from lighting up. Of course, nicotine gum is another aid. It releases a small amount of nicotine that over time helps smokers break the habit. This type of gum, however, isn’t meant for regular use.
Eyes Up:
Are you a yeh or nay when it comes to gum? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
