Advantages and Disadvantages of Chewing Gum You Probably Don’t Know

I would say, most people, mostly the adults who prefer chewing gum take it as sign of refreshment and creating a cool image for themselves around other people.

However, kids enjoy the taste, the gummy texture, and it also keeps them away from thinking about food. So, be it kids, teens or adults, chewing gum is a common habit and refreshment option. But, how many of you people have got the real idea about the advantages and disadvantages of chewing gum? Because what we know, is when you pop up the gum candy inside your mouth you never ever have given it a single thought how chewing gum can affect you in good or bad ways. According to the studies by North Richland Hills Dentistry, there are always mixed opinions about chewing gums as some believe chewing gums can help you to freshen up your breath and also clean your teeth and some believe chewing gum can cause tooth decay, cavities and also gum problems that leads to bad oral health.

Now, for the settlement, let’s clear the air with brief understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of chewing gum:

Advantages of Chewing Gum

There are certain types of sugar free chewing gums that are specifically manufactured for alleviating bad breath and giving a brightness to your teeth.

Some of the advantages of chewing gum are:

1. Reducing bad breath

Some chewing gums are specially made for alleviating bad breath and for oral refreshment. Thus, chewing gums after having food, or having meals or post drinking can help you supress the bad breath from your mouth.

2. Alleviating heart burn

Chewing gums are beneficial in producing extra saliva which is when once swallowed, the saliva starts working on the stomach acid levels to balance them out. It also assists in pushing the acid back into the stomach preventing heartburn and acid reflux. On chewing a chewing gum for about 20 – 30 minutes can relieve heartburn, however make sure you are having a sugar-free chewing gum for effective results.

3. Boosting weight loss

Chewing a chewing gum can curb your boredom and make you active to be productive. The act of chewing gum involves chewing on to something that works as a comfort mechanism which reduces significantly the urge to snacking on unhealthy food options or consuming junk when you get hunger pangs. As a result of which you save yourself from unnecessary calorie intake and help yourself to lose some weight.

4. Toned cheeks and jawline

Chewing gum involves a constant movement of your mouth that includes your jawline and cheeks movement in a rhythm that helps your facial muscles including your jawline and chin muscles to get a nice workout. This helps you lose facial fat and get a sharp jawline.

5. Fights drowsiness

Most people find it hard to stay active and alert at workplace which makes them feel sluggish and fatigued. But, trying chewing gum at work can help you to stay alert and focus easily on your work. Try mint flavoured chewing gums for refreshing boost and fight midday yawns associated with fatigue.

6. Reduces depression

According to latest studies, chewing gums twice daily for two weeks helped reducing stress, anxiety, depression, work burnout, fatigue, and other mental illnesses in patients during a volunteer research study.

7. Improves memory

As per experts and studies, chewing gums increase blood flow to your brain which has numerous positive effects which includes improving your memory and cognitive skills. In a research by professor Andrew Sholey, your short-term memory capabilities could be boosted up to 35 percent by just chewing a stick of gum.

Disadvantages of Chewing Gum

Certain chewing gums are available in stores that are high in sugar. And chewing those gums can be harmful for blood sugar levels and oral health as well.

Some of the disadvantages of chewing gum are:

1. Tooth decay and cavities

Excessive sugar intake always affects your oral health first. And chewing gums are loaded with sugar which is why you might experience tooth decay and cavities over a period of time.

2. Bad breath and odor

Consuming too much sugar fosters bacterial growth in your mouth around your gums, teeth and also your tongue that causes bad breath or unpleasant odor from your mouth. 

3. Increased blood sugar levels

Chewing on to gums almost all time can surely spike your blood sugar levels and on long term you might develop diabetes or pre-diabetic condition which can also add on to your cholesterol levels.

4. Feeling bloated

Chewing gums on regular basis can make you ingest too much sugar content which can give you a bloated feeling, as excessive sugar intake affects your digestion and stomach acids. You may feel bloated, upset stomach and gastric effect as well.