Is Gum Bad?by www.batchelor-dentistry.com

IntroductionChewing gum will spruce up your breath before a date or a post-lunch meeting, however is it healthy?

A Google search turns up some varying advice. A few individuals swear by gum's cavity-preventing capacities, while others tell you to spit it in the garbage.

So who's correct? Shockingly, it isn't so basic.

The answer relies on upon a few variables, including the kind of gum you pick and your body's individual reaction to it. I'll help you choose if gum is a decent choice for you.

How Gum Can Be Beneficial

As per the ADA’s recommendation, sugar-free gum can prevent cavities. (On the off chance that you decide to chew, I firmly suggest avoiding gum sweetened with sugar. Find gum sweetened with 100% xylitol, a natural sweetener which contains no sugar or aspartame, and may even give some protection against cavities.)

Chewing stimulates saliva production, which washes away food particles and acids left in your mouth from eating, and ever-present oral microbes which cause cavities and gum disease. The ADA recommends chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating.

Thus, yes, chewing gum has its advantages, however even without sugar gum isn't for everybody.

How Gum Can Be Detrimental

While gum can be beneficial many people experience negative side effects without realizing gum is to blame.

Unhealthy Eating• Gum (especially mint)

may cause unhealthy food cravings and make you less likely to want fruit, according to a recent study. That’s because gum can make fruits and veggies taste bitter which makes you reluctant to eat them.

TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)• Gum can trigger or worsen

symptoms of TMD.

• Temporomandibular disorders are problems with the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. Sufferers of TMD experience jaw pain, headaches, and pain in the face, neck, or shoulders.

• If you think you might have TMD avoid gum until you talk to your doctor or dentist.

Headaches

Researchers discovered a correlation between frequent gum chewing and headaches in teenagers. If you get frequent headaches, they might be TMD-related, but some individuals get gum-related headaches from aspartame, a common artificial sweetener.

Gastrointestinal Problems

• If you are unintentionally swallowing excess air when you chew gum, you may suffer from abdominal pains, cramping, or bloating.

• Some artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol can cause diarrhea. Refrain from chewing to determine if gum is the cause.

Care with Out Gum

Gum is fine for some. But if gum is causing you any kind of malaise, its potential benefits are not worth the pain and/or discomfort. There are more effective ways to protect your teeth and keep your breath fresh.

• The best way to keep your mouth clean and fresh is to brush and floss regularly and thoroughly rinse with water after eating.

• Drink plenty of water to help your body produce more saliva.

• Eat beneficial foods. Milk and cheese naturally increase saliva production and are good for tooth enamel as well. Tea, yogurt, parsley, and many other foods can fight bad breath.

Gum Quitting Tips• Remove gum from your vehicle, pockets, or purse.

(Avoid the temptation!)

• If you use gum to curb your food cravings, switch to green tea. It tastes great and offers various health benefits. Just be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterwards to minimize teeth stains.

• Satisfy your urge to chew with healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

• Carry a small toothbrush and toothpaste with you.

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Hang in there and you will succeed. Quitting

gum is like breaking any habit. For more

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