Benefits & Disadvantages of Chewing Gum

Chewing gum has been around since the time of ancient Greece, where people made a chewable substance from the resin of the mastic tree. Chewing gum has evolved over time to where it is now sold in a variety of types and flavors. Chewing gum offers the user many potential benefits as well as possible disadvantages.

Losing Weight

• Chewing gum can be used as part of a weight loss program. When dieters develop a craving for food, a stick of gum offers a low-calorie alternative to a high-fat snack. According to a University of Rhode Island study headed by Kathleen Melanson, URI associate professor of nutrition and food sciences, people who chewed gum in the morning consumed an average of 67 fewer calories at lunch, and they also did not feel the need to replace the missing calories at a later point in the day.

Stress Reduction

• Chewing gum can help people deal with stressful situations. Athletes and coaches are often seen chewing gum during a contest. According to Wrigley.com, a survey of Doublemint users who chewed the gum during a game indicated that 67 percent did so to help relieve anxiety. Workers also chew on the job when facing a stressful day.

Breath Freshener

• Chewing gum can also serve as a quick breath freshener. Most of us have been in social or work situations where fresh breath is important. A stick of gum can provide a remedy after a meal or drinking coffee, or at times where brushing one's teeth is not a viable option. Some brands of gum contain ingredients to help freshen breath.

Tooth Decay

• Chewing sugared gum can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. The gum literally coats the teeth with sugar and can be especially destructive if you don't brush your teeth immediately after chewing. Switching to a sugarless brand can alleviate the problem.

Tooth and Jaw Issues

• Frequent gum chewing can contribute to a condition known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), which is caused by constant stress being placed on the jaws. Symptoms of TMJ include severe facial pain and discomfort in the back of the neck. Frequent chewing over time can also result in the wearing down of tooth enamel.

Annoyance

• Chewing gum loudly or making a cracking noise while chewing will annoy some people. School students may also find themselves facing the wrath of an angry teacher when chewing gum is not permitted in the classroom.