Is Gum Bad for You? The Chewy Truth
You’ve had a stressful day, you're craving something, but not food. Enter chewing gum—a trusty companion in moments of stress, boredom, or that awkward wait in a long line. But is this minty little treat your friend or foe? Let’s unwrap the facts.
What’s Really in Gum?
The ingredients in gum are, well, not the kind you’d whip up in your kitchen. Modern gum is typically a mix of synthetic rubbers, artificial sweeteners, and a handful of preservatives. Tasty? Yes. Natural? Not so much. The gum base itself is made of materials like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate (both of which sound suspiciously like plastics), and while you’re not supposed to swallow gum, let’s be real—how many times has that happened?
Chewing gum also contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sorbitol, which can be a red flag for some health-conscious chewers. Although these sweeteners are generally deemed safe in small amounts, too much could leave you with a sour stomach or digestive distress.
Gum and Your Teeth: Frenemies?
The dental debate on gum is as chewy as the product itself. Some studies suggest that sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth, helping to stimulate saliva production, which in turn neutralizes acids in your mouth (Axelsson, 2002). More saliva? Less plaque. But the keyword here is "sugar-free."
On the flip side, if you're popping sugary gum, it’s like candy for the bacteria in your mouth. Chewing sugary gum for prolonged periods can increase your risk of cavities and lead to enamel erosion. So, yes, while gum can help clean your teeth, it’s a double-edged sword depending on your flavor of choice.
Jaw Pain: The Silent Chew Risk
Chewing gum excessively could lead to more than just fresh breath—it might cause jaw discomfort or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. According to research, overworking your jaw muscles can lead to pain and tightness in your face (Visscher et al., 2005). Ever felt that tightness after a marathon chew session? That’s your jaw signaling for a break.
The Impact on Digestion
We all know the myth: “Swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years.” While that’s not true (your body will eventually pass it), there is something to be cautious about. Excessive chewing can trick your stomach into thinking food is coming, leading to an overproduction of stomach acid, which could cause discomfort or bloating (Hall & Oparin, 2006).
Additionally, those sugar alcohols found in sugar-free gum (like sorbitol) can cause digestive issues when consumed in large quantities, acting as a laxative. So, unless you want an unexpected bathroom trip, it’s best to chew in moderation.
What About the Environment?
Surprise: Gum is not biodegradable! That’s right—those little pieces you spit out on the sidewalk or stick under tables can stick around for years. In fact, most modern chewing gums are made from synthetic plastics, which means they don’t break down naturally (Thompson et al., 2009). Talk about a sticky situation for the planet!
The Final Chew
So, is gum bad for you? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Chewing gum has some perks, like freshening your breath and helping your teeth (if it’s sugar-free), but it’s not without its downsides. From potential jaw pain to digestive discomfort and environmental impact, moderation is key.
Pop a piece now and then, but remember: when it comes to chewing gum, less is more. Now go on—treat yourself to that minty chew (just maybe skip the sugary ones).
References
Axelsson, P. (2002). Diagnosis and Risk Prediction of Dental Caries Volume 2: Preventive Strategies, Risk Factors, and Outcomes. Quintessence Publishing.
Hall, J.E. & Oparin, A.I. (2006). Physiological Basis of Medical Practice. Elsevier.
Thompson, R.C., Moore, C.J., Vom Saal, F.S. & Swan, S.H. (2009). Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2153-2166.
Visscher, C.M., Lobbezoo, F., De Boer, W., van der Meulen, M.J., Naeije, M. (2005). Prevalence of temporomandibular joint disorders related to oral parafunctions in young adults. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 32(7), 464-468.
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