Is Chewing Gum Bad for the Environment? Braces – What You Should Know, Sugar is Scary: Dental Tips for a Healthy Halloween, The Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash, 1455 Yarmouth Ave #115, Boulder, Colorado. It can cause intestinal blockage if there is big quantity of gum ingested into the system. But my research made me think twice about my gum lovin’ ways. 7 Reasons Chewing Gum is Bad 1. It is not so. – C. Thomas Corriher (source). My name is Robin and I’m a recovered gum addict. (Source). What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease? Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. I mean, every commercial told me that 4 out of 5 dentists recommend the stuff. Early symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect but may include seeing pink in the sink when you spit. No more annoyed “why do I always feel this way!” episodes. Thank you for supporting this site with purchases made through links in this article. Don’t fear, in the a few days I will give you some natural ways to freshen your breath, improve your dental health, and feel okay about saying goodbye to gum for good. Love it or hate it, chewing gum is not going away anytime in the near future. It stops food from going bad by ... Titanium Dioxide. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. You could have some swollen and tender gums for a few days, and then nothing. Important facts about gum disease For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. It is believed that ancient Greeks found relief from stress by chewing a gum that was made from a resin. All Rights Reserved. For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. That’s pretty scary when you think about some of the common ingredients listed on a pack of chewing gum: I remember how “minty clean” my mouth would feel after chewing a piece of gum (for a minute or two, at least), but gum doesn’t get rid of bad breath. Otherwise, chewing sugarless gum in moderation is pretty harmless. Red or swollen gums. And, as you can imagine, through that vast vacuum of information we call “the internet” I found more than a gazillion possible reasons for my tummy troubles: Too little fiber, too much fiber, food allergies, sugar, carbs, my sleeping habits, too much water, too little water, etc. Get the Facts about Chewing Gum Facts About Chewing Gum. These rubbers are flavored with either sugar, xylitol (a natural sweetener) or aspartame, as well as other natural and artificial flavors. Most gum these days love to market that they are “sugar free,” but artificial sweeteners are... 3. Aspartame. This is especially true for... 2. But even the “safer” sweeteners are suspicious for this “back to basics, just eat what we recognize as real food” gal. This common condition doesn’t necessarily begin in the gums themselves. Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when the gums, the tissues that hold your teeth in place, suffers from a serious infection due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Bruxism is a condition in which a patient frequently grinds or clenches the teeth. And since I’m lazy efficient I decided to try the easiest and most simple thing first: Surely gum chewing wasn’t bad, and surely gum chewing wasn’t my problem, right? It didn’t. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right circumstances. Like I tend to do, I started researching possible causes. Extra Sugar-Free Gum was created in 1984. Many times, gum disease symptoms come and go. This is especially true for people with pre-existing jaw conditions like TMJ. Yikes! He has been practicing for more than 16 years and specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry. SIGN UP FOR FREE UPDATES, OFFERS, & TIPS. Of course, fast forward a decade or so (Man, I’m getting old…) and I have plenty of other reasons why I don’t chew gum. Gum lovers particularly like the chewing and creation of bubbles. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they do.. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease makes your gums red and swollen and can cause persistent bad breath. One of the most famous, but false facts, is that swallowed gum will remain in your gastrointestinal tract for seven years. For today’s Did You Know we will look at Chewing Gum fun facts such as chewing on gum while cutting onions can help a person from crying.. But did you know that chewing gum, which stimulates saliva production for an unnaturally long time, can take away from other important metabolic functions? There’s no doubt that chewing gum is delicious. Gum base can’t be digested, so it will pass through your system in one piece. Liked or not, gum continues to become popular among kids and adults even during present times. That said, we still don’t recommend that you swallow it! Read why I don’t trust the stuff here. 7. Plus I'll send you a free copy of "Your Simply Healthy Handbook." Get the Facts about Chewing Gum, Invisalign Vs. This motion can eventually result in headaches and even damage the enamel. Swallowed bubble gum will not get stuck to your intestines, but will pass through your system, because, gum base cannot be digested, as it has fiber that is indigestible. If you like to chew gum for the sole purpose of freshening your breath, try using mouthwash, sugar-free mints or simply brushing your teeth. 100,000 tons of bubble gum is chewed every year all around the world. All of these are great options for those who have chewing sensitivities or braces. Gum is a popular favorite for those who want to whiten their teeth and freshen their breath. etc. Chewing gum when you have braces is a surefire way to have problems down the road. If you're opting to chew gum that contains sugar, which most bubble gum options do, the sugar you're introducing in your mouth may be causing dental issues down the road. In fact, once I changed my diet and improved my health through real food I no longer had bad breath. It can be the result of plaque, a sticky film made up of bacteria on the adjacent teeth that spread into the gum tissue. But even if you don’t have a serious problem, excessive gum chewing can aggravates the cartilage and surrounding joints in the mouth through extra wear and tear. Fortunately, there are plenty of sugar-free options out there today that taste amazing while helping keep cavities at bay. Today, chewing gum is made of synthetic rubbers that mimic the chewy texture of chicle. Gum is one of the oldest candies that people have loved and hated all the same. We’ll highlight some key chewing gum facts and the healthiest chewing gum options available for keeping your pearly whites sparkling clean. The texture is similar to rubber due to the physical-chemical properties of polymer, resin components and plasticizer contributing sticky, elastic-plastic and chewy characteristics. Chewing gum is known to increase concentration power. Gum disease is a bacterial infection along the gingival line. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that come with certain types of gum. In fact, when it first became a fad in the United States, many of the snootier folks hoped that the “vulgar fad” would pass on by. Chewing gum can cause damage to your braces by loosening brackets and bending wires, which can cost you time and money and lengthen the treatment process. And for the record, I didn’t have access to or knowledge of some of the resources I do now, so the reasons behind the “chewing gum is bad” idea was from two simple ideas: 1. Fun Fact #7. Many people have gum disease without knowing it. Most gum these days love to market that they are “sugar free,” but artificial sweeteners are far from my “okay to eat” real food list. According to the American Dental Association, chewing in itself increases saliva flow, which in turn helps wash away the acid that can cause tooth decay. Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. They might be swollen, tender or bleed easily. Instead, the chewing gum fad continued to grow as both an “ugly habit” and a medicinal product. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria begin to grow between the teeth and the gums, forming infected pockets that contribute to your breath. The consumption of chewing gum for combating bad breath is a temporary fix and lasts for as long as the flavor of the gum lasts. It can help with bad breath issues. Are you concerned about developing gum disease? 10 Thank You, Mexico It should pass normally through your digestive tract. Chewing gum is a very bad habit as when we chew something, our brain sends signals to our other body organs to prepare themselves for the process of digestion, So the stomach starts producing hydrochloric acid and other enzymes, and when it doesn’t get any food, our stomach starts bloating and creating different problems. No more discomfort. Sugar-Free Gums Contain Laxatives and FODMAPs. When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. You may also experience bad breath. Chicle Gum. Jaw Problems. Additionally, check your gums for signs of sensitivity. Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. True! © 2020 Thank Your Body. Crazy, right? I was the girl that popped a piece in anytime I was going to meet anyone new, go out with friends, after finishing a meal, or “just because.” I loved gum. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria begin to grow between the teeth and the gums, forming infected pockets that contribute to your breath. Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. Bad breath isn’t just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that comes from the Latin American sapodilla tree. Over time, these bacteria can build up and cause blood clots. And that brings me back to the reason I stopped in the first place. Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers. Chicle is a natural product of trees which represent a natural gum traditionally used in making chewing gums. Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. Chewing gum … © 2021 | David Evans DDS | All Rights Reserved, Is Gum Bad for You? And, lo and behold, my little stomach problems disappeared. But is chewing gum bad for you? 2. Chewing gum brings in an excess of swallowed air which can put pressure on the intestine and cause cramping and bloating. Some people dislike this candy because it can be messy when stuck in the wrong places. The short answer is: Yes, most gum made out of synthetic material is harmful to the environment. To get in touch, visit davidevansdds.com. Just because you don’t generally ingest your gum doesn’t mean it doesn’t go in your body: The ingredients in gum travel into the bloodstream faster and in higher concentrations than food ingredients, because they absorb straight through the walls of the mouth, and these ingredients do not undergo the normal filtration process of digestion. The whole “seven years” thing is a myth. Gums … "Chewing gum definitely has its pros and cons, depending on the individual and the reasons for chewing it. According to Healthline, when you introduce sugar into your mouth, it's digested by bad bacteria. There are chances that you might be witnessing the signs and symptoms of bad breath for some other underlying oral health disease like that of dry mouth or even plaque . More chewing gum facts. Many types of bubble gum, fruit-flavored gum and even some types of mint flavored gum are chock full of sugar, so be sure to read labels and avoid sugary gum whenever possible to keep your teeth in good shape. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that... Chewing Gum Benefits. When … As you’ve already learned, most gum that we buy is made from synthetic rubber, which is made from oil. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right... Is Gum Bad for You? The Aztecs and Maya chewed chicle to stave off hunger, keep teeth clean, freshen breath as well as filling for tooth cavities. Bad breath is symptom of digestive problems or excessive tooth decay. Gum is not allowed at my school and you will get in huge trouble if you are caught chewing it. Recipe: Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars, http://www.organicauthority.com/health/bubble-gums-reasons-to-stop-chewing-gum-health.html, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/mouth-health-is-chewing-g_b_561067.html, Our Favorite Non-Toxic, Chemical-Free Sunscreens, 13 Stretch Mark Creams That Are Safe for Pregnancy, A List of Our Favorite Silicone-Free Hair Products, 8 Products Every Natural Skincare Lover Needs, Top 7 Washable and Eco-Friendly Makeup Removers, Natural and Eco-Friendly Scrubs for a Glowing Face and Body, Our Favorite Sulfate-Free Shampoos of 2020, Our Pick of the Best Natural Shampoo Bars That Are Hot Right Now. etc. The extra saliva works to reduce the number of bacteria which are present in the mouth. Chewing gum helps to create extra saliva within the mouth. This can put pressure on the nerves that supply this area of your head, which can lead to chronic, intermittent headaches. It's your #1 resource to make healthy living easy. That is why someone chewing gum often seems to have sweeter breath than someone who isn’t chewing gum. The gum will not stay forever in the stomach but gets grinded along with the acids and enzymes. And for those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) this can be really bad. Studies have also shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help fight cavities, and it’s been said that chewing gum can even help improve concentration and memory. I was the girl that had at least two packages of different flavors of gum in her purse at all times. Chewing gum can be bad for you under some circumstances, such as: Excessive sugar can cause cavities, and there’s no doubt that sugar-filled gum can facilitate tooth decay. Bruxism, it 's your # 1 resource to make healthy living easy bad bacteria damage to reason! Tooth decay chewing it this area of your head, which can lead to sugar build up and blood... Probably no reason to see a doctor want to whiten their teeth and their... 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