Chewing gum has come a long way from its ancient origins, where people would chew resin and masticated bark to freshen their breath. Today, gum is ubiquitous, and people buy it for various reasons. While chewing gum can have benefits, it’s worth noting that it’s not without drawbacks.
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Improved Oral Health: Chewing gum helps stimulate saliva production- your body’s natural mouthwash. Saliva contains enzymes that break down food particles in your mouth, reducing the amount of bacteria that can cause tooth and gum disease.
Fresh Breath: Chewing gum, especially mint-flavored, has a refreshing smell that can help mask bad breath. It’s a quick fix to freshening your breath after eating and drinking.
Sugar-free gum: Sugar-free gum is a smart choice since refined sugar is a primary cause of tooth decay. Sugar-free gum is made with xylitol, sorbitol, and other sugar substitutes that don’t cause tooth decay but instead promote oral health.
Drawbacks of Chewing Gum
TMJ Disorder: Excessive gum chewing can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition that causes pain, clicking, or popping sounds when you open your mouth. It’s often caused by repetitive jaw movements such as gum chewing.
Jaw Fatigue: Chewing gum causes the jaw muscles to work, and excessive gum chewing can lead to jaw fatigue. This can result in stiffness and pain in your jaw muscles.
Headaches: TMJ disorder and jaw fatigue can cause headaches in some people. This is because the muscles that hold the jaw in place are linked to the scalp muscles and can cause pain.
Conclusion
Chewing gum can have benefits such as improved oral health, fresh breath, and sugar-free options that don’t cause tooth decay. However, it’s essential to brush your teeth, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to promote good oral hygiene. Chewing gum excessively can cause harm and lead to TMJ disorder, jaw fatigue, and headaches. In conclusion, gum chewers should exercise moderation and be mindful of its benefits and drawbacks.