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The Disadvantages of Chewing Gum

Chewing gum has been a popular pastime for ages. Ancient Greeks chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree and ancient Mayans chewed on gum sourced from the sapodilla tree. While the ingredients have changed, gum is still trendy today. Gum is most commonly used as a breath freshener. However, chewing gum can have its disadvantages. Knowing the potential damage chewing gum can cause is important when choosing to chew.

  1. Tooth Decay

    • Chewing sugared gum can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Sugar coats the teeth and can be destructive to your teeth without immediate brushing. Damage to your natural tooth enamel is also possible. When purchasing gum, beware of gums with large quantities of sugar. While chewing sugarless gum is a possible alternative, make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Sorbitol. Artificial sweeteners can cause headaches or digestive irritation.

    Jaw Stress

    • While many chewing gum companies boast the longevity of their product, frequent chewing or chewing for extended periods of time can have its disadvantages. Habitual chewing may cause continuous stress on your jaws. This leads to a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TJD). This condition includes facial pain and great discomfort in the back of the neck.

    Stomach Issues

    • Chewing gum frequently can lead to stress on your stomach and intestines. After a meal, your stomach and intestines rely on a resting period to digest. Chewing gum soon thereafter may irritate your digestive systems, leading to stomach aches. In addition, chewing on an empty stomach may aggravate gastritis.

    Distraction

    • Chewing gum noisily, "popping" bubbles, or chewing while talking can be distracting and irritating in numerous social environments, including school and the workplace. Be sure to consider the social effects of chewing gum and use your judgment to decide when it is appropriate. For instance, chewing gum in school is usually frowned upon, as well as at a job interview.

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