Why you must avoid Sugary Chewing Gum?  

A SUMMARY OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEWING GUM: 

Regardless of whether the gum contains sugar or not, most chewing gum contains artificial sweeteners, which are harmful to your health. According to a 2020 research report on eating habits, people who chew gum are less likely to eat nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables and more likely to consume unhealthy foods like potato chips and sweets. Tooth decay may result from eating these less nutritious foods. 

Chewing gum has the ability to release mercury from mercury amalgam fillings. 

Chewing gum, particularly sugar-sweetened gum, may cause tooth decay and erosion. Chewing sugar-sweetened gum is simply soaking the teeth and gums in a sugar bath for an extended period of time. Chewing gum is used by 59% of the population of the United States on a daily basis. Only Iran (82%) and Saudi Arabia (79%) have higher rates! The prevalence of a cultural tradition in which small traders regularly hand out chewing gum in lieu of small change is the reason for the higher rates in the Middle East. 

Let’s look at some of the clear possible health consequences of chewing gum now that we have a better understanding of the basic facts and figures about chewing gum: 

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS’ POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:  

Since the gum base is never swallowed, many people don’t give much thought about the ingredients in the gum they chew. However, these ingredients are always exposed to your teeth and gums, and you do swallow several of them while you chew the gum and the flavor-causing ingredients are removed by the chewing process. The lining of your mouth is also very absorbent, and many of the ingredients can be absorbed directly into it. 

A popular sugar substitute called Aspartame is used to sweeten a lot of sugar-free gum. According to a study published in the Life Sciences Journal, aspartame may contribute to the production of formaldehyde in the body, which is a known carcinogen. While the FDA and the American Cancer Society have not issued any official warnings about Aspartame, some people claim to have suffered side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and mood swings after eating it, the FDA and the Indian Cancer Society have not issued any official warnings about it, except for people who lack the enzyme needed to break it down. 

DISORDERS OF THE TMJ (TEMPROMANDIBULAR JOINT / JAW) 
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the link between your jawbone and your skull. The muscles that regulate this joint become fatigued or unbalanced, resulting in TMJ disorders. Although most gum chewing does not result in TMJ disorders, people who develop a habit of chewing gum on a regular basis can experience muscle exhaustion, putting them at risk for TMJ disorders.Aggressive gum chewing and lopsided chewing (chewing on only one side of the mouth) both raise the risk of TMJ disorders by putting more tension on the TMJ region than other habits. 

DEFORMITIES OF THE TOOTH 
Chewing gum on a regular basis as a habit can cause excessive wear on the tooth enamel and even alter the alignment of your bite. The upper molars can gradually spread apart, while the lower molars gradually drift backward, resulting in an overbite. If the behaviour persists and is not addressed, these improvements will ultimately necessitate orthodontic treatment to correct. Additionally, if the enamel is left to deteriorate over time, the teeth can become responsive to hot, cold, and acidic foods and beverages. 

HEAVY HEADACHES 
Excessive gum chewing has caused headaches in some people, especially younger people such as teenagers in high school. The jaw muscles have become fatigued, causing this. These headaches are typically caused by a student chewing gum as a stress reliever, such as while preparing for or taking a significant exam. 

As a result of the discomfort, people tend to chew harder and faster, exacerbating the problem and resulting in a tension headache. 

CAVITIES  
Sugar-free gum is commonly recommended by dentists. However, while you can prevent some of the drawbacks associated with artificial sweeteners by chewing sugary gum, you may increase the risk of cavities by exposing your teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. This risk is exacerbated if you develop a habit of chewing sugary gum on a regular basis. 

Healthy alternatives to sugary gum: 

Thankfully, there are many natural and healthier ways to freshen your breath. Pick one of these super safe, blissfully natural chewing gum alternatives to enjoy fresh breath with no danger! 

LICORICE:  
You either adore or despise licorice. If you fall into the first group, consider yourself fortunate. Licorice is a delectable treat that not only tastes fantastic (at least to half of the population), but also helps to prevent bad breath. Simply chew a small amount of this all-natural fast remedy to appreciate the taste while masking bad breath. 

PARSLEY: 
Parsley is nature’s antidote for halitosis, and it’s not just for fancy restaurants. Chew a fresh sprig of parsley (the chlorophyll in the leaves neutralises the taste in your mouth), then go out and kiss – if you want to. 

WATER:  
Nature, as previously said, has you covered. Rather than having jaw fatigue from all that chewing, sip a refreshing glass of water to quickly refresh your breath! It’s completely open. It’s beneficial to your health. It’s fast. Is there anything else we can say? 

GINGER:  
In your next glass of water or tea, toss a slice of ginger in. Chew on a fresh piece of ginger if you’re feeling brave (and you like a lot of spice). Alternatively, put a Ginger mint in your mouth and let the spice neutralise whatever is bothering you. 

FINAL NOTE:  

Overall, chewing sugar-free gum can have a beneficial impact on your teeth by removing plaque and harmful bacteria from the surface of the teeth and gums, which can help to avoid cavities. Just bear in mind that chewing gum isn’t always a safe habit to create, and it does have some drawbacks and risks to remember. 

If you just want to freshen up your teeth, brushing and flossing your teeth or using mouthwash is preferable to chewing gum. Instead of chewing gum, a glass of cold water with mint leaves can be a pleasant way to refresh your mouth after a meal, particularly when combined with brushing and mouthwash. Your teeth are crucial, since they serve as a portal to the rest of your body. It’s critical to look after them properly and to consider how the foods you eat can affect the rest of your body.