Why is gum good for you

If you are unsure which kinds of gum will promote good oral health, look for sugar-free gums that have been recommended by the American Dental Association for their recognized benefits.

Overall, chewing gum can offer many positive health benefits. However, too much gum-chewing can lead to problems. Excessive chewing can cause jaw pain and headaches. Chewing too much sugar-free gum can cause digestive distress, as xylitol and other sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect. While chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial, it should not replace regular dental hygiene or daily brushing and flossing. If you have further questions about chewing gum and dental health, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our dental health professionals.

The sugar alcohols used to sweeten sugar-free gum have a laxative effect when consumed in large amounts. This means that chewing lots of sugar-free gum could cause digestive distress and diarrhea This is because sugar is digested by the bad bacteria in your mouth, causing an increase in the amount of plaque on your teeth and tooth decay over time Eating too much sugar is also associated with a number of health conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes Constant chewing could lead to a jaw problem called temporomandibular disorder TMD , which causes pain when you chew.

Although this condition is rare, some studies have found a link between excessive chewing and TMD 46 , One research review suggests that regularly chewing gum may trigger headaches in people prone to migraine episodes and tension-type headaches More research is needed, but the researchers suggested that people who experience migraine might want to limit their gum chewing. Chewing too much gum could cause problems such as jaw pain, headaches, diarrhea, and tooth decay.

Chewing sugar-free gum can cause digestive symptoms in people with IBS. The main exception to this rule is for people with IBS. Check in with a dentist or dietitian for help deciding which type of gum is best for you.

The ingredients in chewing gum have been established as safe for humans to consume. In fact, the act of chewing may have surprising benefits for mental and physical health! However, some people may find that they experience adverse side effects, such as jaw pain or headaches, from chewing gum. We've all heard at one time or another that if you swallow gum, it will sit in your stomach for seven years.

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For optimal health, it's a good idea to choose the foods that contain the most nutrients. Here are the 11 most nutrient-dense foods on earth. Not only is chewing sugar-free gum just enjoyable, but it also comes with some major oral benefits — from battling bad breath to fighting tooth decay.

Plus, the flavor options are endless. Remember that chewing gum shouldn't replace your oral care routine — keep brushing and flossing those teeth — but it certainly can provide a healthy treat after a meal. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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