Is Chewing Gum Bad For Health?

Friday, December 11, 2015, 9:42 [IST]

Stressed? Chew a couple of sticks of chewing gum. Feeling hungry? Chomp on some chewing gum, while thinking about other food options.

Chewing gum has become a part and parcel of our everyday life, and some of us can't seem to live without it.

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When it comes to chewing a gum, experts state that it is the type of gum that makes the difference whether it being helpful or harmful to your teeth. Chewing gums that contain sugar can actually increase the chances of you developing a cavity or further dental problems, which is why dentists state that sugar-free gums are more safe to an extent.

However, one should also be careful when opting for sugar-free chewing gums, as they contain a sweetener called xylitol that is bad for health. The side effects of chewing gum are massive. People turn to chewing gums to relieve themselves from a headache, which can side-by-side have an impact on their brains. Regular consumption of sugar-gum spoils the teeth. And, when this food habit becomes uncontrollable, it can lead to other health problems such as diabetes and obesity.

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Today, Boldsky shares with its readers why one should avoid chewing on too much gum. Take a look at the bad things that can happen to you if you always opt on chewing a gum, whether it is sugar-free or not.

Chewing Gum Damages Teeth

Chewing too much of gum can damage your teeth. The sugar content present in the chewing gum can lead to tooth decay. On the other hand, the acidic flavorings and preservatives in the chewing gum can cause dental erosions and even cavities.

Chewing Gum Is Linked To Headaches

Chewing too much of gum is bad for health, as the constant movement of the jaw applies pressure on the temples, thus causing a headache. It is also linked to migraines.

Chewing Gum Leads To Gastrointestinal Problems

Chewing gum causes one to swallow excess air, which contributes to abdominal pain and bloating, seen in case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, while chewing a gum, it is suggested not to open the mouth too much.

Chewing Gum Causes Jaw Disorders

Chewing gums are bad for your health, as they may cause jaw disorders such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which is a chronic problem. Prolonged hours of chewing on gum also causes an imbalance of the jaw muscles, which can lead to ear aches and headaches.

Chewing Gum Makes One Obese

Chewing gum is linked to obesity. People prefer chewing gum to ward off those hunger pangs. But, according to studies, chewing gum has properties that can make one more hungry, and therefore he/she may end up opting for unhealthy snacks like chips, coke, candy instead of fresh fruits and vegetables, which makes the tongue bitter after chewing on gum.

Chewing Gum Hinders The Metabolism

Chewing gum stimulates the saliva production for a very long time, which in turn removes the metabolic functions. This is one of the reasons why chewing on a gum is bad for your health.

Chewing Gum Affects The Foetus

Chewing gum is bad for pregnant women, as it contains synthetic ingredients that may affect the growing foetus. It is also not recommended for children.

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