Gum lovers particularly like the chewing and creation of bubbles. © 2020 Thank Your Body. Chewing on gum can help exercise the mouth muscles. etc. And, as you can imagine, through that vast vacuum of information we call “the internet” I found more than a gazillion possible reasons for my tummy troubles: Too little fiber, too much fiber, food allergies, sugar, carbs, my sleeping habits, too much water, too little water, etc. No more discomfort. Stay tuned. Get the Facts about Chewing Gum, Invisalign Vs. What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease? Following the '80s wave of low-cal, sugar-free gums on the market, Extra came around and quickly became … But what will I use to freshen my breath on that important first date, job interview, etc? Chewing Gum: Good or Bad? Chewing gums are the most used product in the world to have fresh breath. Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. It didn’t. Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers. Chewing gum can exacerbate bruxism and potentially lead to TMJ, or jaw dysfunction that’s accompanied by pain and limited motion. But even if you don’t have a serious problem, excessive gum chewing can aggravates the cartilage and surrounding joints in the mouth through extra wear and tear. If untreated this can cause bacteria to enter the blood stream and the heart. The bad bacteria in your mouth digest sugar before it gets to your stomach, and you chew gum over a prolonged period of time, so those windows … Is dental hygiene a high priority of yours? But even the “safer” sweeteners are suspicious for this “back to basics, just eat what we recognize as real food” gal. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease makes your gums red and swollen and can cause persistent bad breath. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they do.. Gum can also get stuck in wires, which can lead to sugar build up and eventually cause cavities. It can cause intestinal blockage if there is big quantity of gum ingested into the system. Bad breath isn’t just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. If you're opting to chew gum that contains sugar, which most bubble gum options do, the sugar you're introducing in your mouth may be causing dental issues down the road. To get in touch, visit davidevansdds.com. Chewing gum of present days consists of sweeteners, gum base, flavors, softeners/plasticizers, colors and hard of powdered polyol coating. This can put pressure on the nerves that supply this area of your head, which can lead to chronic, intermittent headaches. You use eight different facial muscles to chew. It stops food from going bad by ... Titanium Dioxide. Real food for the win! Chewing gum when you have braces is a surefire way to have problems down the road. They might be swollen, tender or bleed easily. Advanced cases of the disease involve severe damage to the jaw bone and eventually lead to tooth loss. Today, chewing gum is made of synthetic rubbers that mimic the chewy texture of chicle. We’ll highlight some key chewing gum facts and the healthiest chewing gum options available for keeping your pearly whites sparkling clean. Thank you for supporting this site with purchases made through links in this article. When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. Crazy, right? Studies have also shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help fight cavities, and it’s been said that chewing gum can even help improve concentration and memory. SIGN UP FOR FREE UPDATES, OFFERS, & TIPS. Jaw Problems. Some people dislike this candy because it can be messy when stuck in the wrong places. Many types of bubble gum, fruit-flavored gum and even some types of mint flavored gum are chock full of sugar, so be sure to read labels and avoid sugary gum whenever possible to keep your teeth in good shape. If you like to chew gum for the sole purpose of freshening your breath, try using mouthwash, sugar-free mints or simply brushing your teeth. It's your #1 resource to make healthy living easy. Otherwise, chewing sugarless gum in moderation is pretty harmless. I was the girl that popped a piece in anytime I was going to meet anyone new, go out with friends, after finishing a meal, or “just because.” I loved gum. Just because you don’t generally ingest your gum doesn’t mean it doesn’t go in your body: The ingredients in gum travel into the bloodstream faster and in higher concentrations than food ingredients, because they absorb straight through the walls of the mouth, and these ingredients do not undergo the normal filtration process of digestion. Gum disease is a bacterial infection, which can cause a bad smell. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. Aspartame is just on example that has been linked to brain tumors, birth defects, and cancer. If you have bruxism, it’s wise to avoid chewing gum so as not to aggravate your condition. The texture is similar to rubber due to the physical-chemical properties of polymer, resin components and plasticizer contributing sticky, elastic-plastic and chewy characteristics. All Rights Reserved. I think this is a mistake. Are you concerned about developing gum disease? Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that come with certain types of gum. 10 Thank You, Mexico While morning breath can be normal, chronic bad breath may be a sign of gum disease. Gum is a popular favorite for those who want to whiten their teeth and freshen their breath. Gums … The short answer is: Yes, most gum made out of synthetic material is harmful to the environment. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria begin to grow between the teeth and the gums, forming infected pockets that contribute to your breath. According to Dr. Ben Kim, there are eight different facial muscles involved in chewing. If you’ve been around the Thank Your Body site for a while you know how important metabolic health is. Gum disease is a bacterial infection along the gingival line. Plus I'll send you a free copy of "Your Simply Healthy Handbook." There’s no doubt that chewing gum is delicious. All of these are great options for those who have chewing sensitivities or braces. Gum base can’t be digested, so it will pass through your system in one piece. This is especially true for... 2. Bad breath. And, lo and behold, my little stomach problems disappeared. More chewing gum facts. Um, just as a reminder: Don’t believe everything you read online. For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. Aspartame. You may also experience bad breath. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that... Chewing Gum Benefits. It should pass normally through your digestive tract. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right... Is Gum Bad for You? Get the Facts about Chewing Gum Facts About Chewing Gum. I actually quit my chewing gum habit long before I switched to real foods and healthy supplements. No more annoyed “why do I always feel this way!” episodes. With bad breath and bleeding being two major signs, it sounds like you would clearly know if you have gum disease or not, Sadly, that is not the case. It is believed that ancient Greeks found relief from stress by chewing a gum that was made from a resin. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right circumstances. Chewing gum brings in an excess of swallowed air which can put pressure on the intestine and cause cramping and bloating. That could mean the gums have receded (pulled away). And since I’m lazy efficient I decided to try the easiest and most simple thing first: Surely gum chewing wasn’t bad, and surely gum chewing wasn’t my problem, right? Read why I don’t trust the stuff here. Hello. But my research made me think twice about my gum lovin’ ways. That’s pretty scary when you think about some of the common ingredients listed on a pack of chewing gum: I remember how “minty clean” my mouth would feel after chewing a piece of gum (for a minute or two, at least), but gum doesn’t get rid of bad breath. I mean, every commercial told me that 4 out of 5 dentists recommend the stuff. The whole “seven years” thing is a myth. © 2021 | David Evans DDS | All Rights Reserved, Is Gum Bad for You? Is Chewing Gum Bad for the Environment? Most gum these days love to market that they are “sugar free,” but artificial sweeteners are... 3. Sensitive teeth or feeling pain when you chew your food. For today’s Did You Know we will look at Chewing Gum fun facts such as chewing on gum while cutting onions can help a person from crying.. Once damaged, this area can produce pain and discomfort for a lifetime. (Source). Look for the ADA seal of approval that indicates a dentist recommended gum, like 5 Sugarfree Gum or Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum. However, it is still not advisable to swallow gums especially among children. According to the American Dental Association, chewing in itself increases saliva flow, which in turn helps wash away the acid that can cause tooth decay. Important facts about gum disease I started doing some self experimentation, trying to pinpoint what my particular issue was. Braces – What You Should Know, Sugar is Scary: Dental Tips for a Healthy Halloween, The Benefits of Fluoride Toothpaste & Mouthwash, 1455 Yarmouth Ave #115, Boulder, Colorado. This is especially true for people with pre-existing jaw conditions like TMJ. Chewing gum can cause damage to your braces by loosening brackets and bending wires, which can cost you time and money and lengthen the treatment process. That is why someone chewing gum often seems to have sweeter breath than someone who isn’t chewing gum. My name is Robin and I’m a recovered gum addict. etc. Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. By clicking “submit,” you agree to receive emails from ThankYourBody and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy. The extra saliva works to reduce the number of bacteria which are present in the mouth. The consumption of chewing gum for combating bad breath is a temporary fix and lasts for as long as the flavor of the gum lasts. And for those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) this can be really bad. Chicle is a natural product of trees which represent a natural gum traditionally used in making chewing gums. True! Fun Fact #7. If you swallow a piece of gum, there’s probably no reason to see a doctor. But is chewing gum bad for you? Chewing gum causes unnecessary wear and tear of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your jaw joints. The gum will not stay forever in the stomach but gets grinded along with the acids and enzymes. In fact, when it first became a fad in the United States, many of the snootier folks hoped that the “vulgar fad” would pass on by. Swallowed bubble gum will not get stuck to your intestines, but will pass through your system, because, gum base cannot be digested, as it has fiber that is indigestible. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that comes from the Latin American sapodilla tree. 7 Reasons Chewing Gum is Bad 1. Many times, gum disease symptoms come and go. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, over 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease, and over 90 percent of those who have it do not know they do. It can help with bad breath issues. If you can’t imagine your life without chewing gum, be sure to look for gum that isn’t loaded with sugar — or better yet, a sugarless gum that’s sweetened with xylitol (a natural sweetener). Bruxism is a condition in which a patient frequently grinds or clenches the teeth. Love it or hate it, chewing gum is not going away anytime in the near future. The Aztecs and Maya chewed chicle to stave off hunger, keep teeth clean, freshen breath as well as filling for tooth cavities. Interesting Facts About Bubble Gum. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria. Chewing gum is known to increase concentration power. Chewing gum can be bad for you under some circumstances, such as: Excessive sugar can cause cavities, and there’s no doubt that sugar-filled gum can facilitate tooth decay. Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. It can be the result of plaque, a sticky film made up of bacteria on the adjacent teeth that spread into the gum tissue. Chewing gum … Extra Sugar-Free Gum was created in 1984. Gum is one of the oldest candies that people have loved and hated all the same. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria begin to grow between the teeth and the gums, forming infected pockets that contribute to your breath. I was the girl that had at least two packages of different flavors of gum in her purse at all times. 7. According to Healthline, when you introduce sugar into your mouth, it's digested by bad bacteria. Most gum these days love to market that they are “sugar free,” but artificial sweeteners are far from my “okay to eat” real food list. For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. Sugar-Sweetened Gum Is Bad … Bad breath isn’t just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. When … Chewing gum helps to create extra saliva within the mouth. Artificial Sweeteners. Chicle Gum. How can I possibly give up my gum!? The Bad It turns out, chewing excess gum can affect your digestion, for the worse. Over time, these bacteria can build up and cause blood clots. Bad breath is symptom of digestive problems or excessive tooth decay. Chewing gum can produce a excessive “air pockets” that can upset your stomach. Yikes! It is not so. Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when the gums, the tissues that hold your teeth in place, suffers from a serious infection due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Gum can be bad for you if it’s loaded with sugar, if you have braces, or a condition like TMJ or bruxism. Dentist prescribe sugar-free chewing gums to patients for good dental health. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) BHT is an antioxidant that’s added to many processed foods as a preservative. Liked or not, gum continues to become popular among kids and adults even during present times. Like I tend to do, I started researching possible causes. A piece of swallowed gum won’t clog up your intestines, but it will be with you for a few days. Orthodontists have a particular distaste for gum, and for good reason. 100,000 tons of bubble gum is chewed every year all around the world. One of the most famous, but false facts, is that swallowed gum will remain in your gastrointestinal tract for seven years. Sugar-Free Gums Contain Laxatives and FODMAPs. I was a graduate student who frequently had subtle stomach aches… nothing that would keep me from my day, but definitely uncomfortable and really annoying. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. Fun facts about gum 01 Fact 01 The oldest candies in the world. These rubbers are flavored with either sugar, xylitol (a natural sweetener) or aspartame, as well as other natural and artificial flavors. Chewing gum is a very bad habit as when we chew something, our brain sends signals to our other body organs to prepare themselves for the process of digestion, So the stomach starts producing hydrochloric acid and other enzymes, and when it doesn’t get any food, our stomach starts bloating and creating different problems. There are chances that you might be witnessing the signs and symptoms of bad breath for some other underlying oral health disease like that of dry mouth or even plaque . That said, we still don’t recommend that you swallow it! If you suspect you may suffer from gum disease in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or a nearby area, contact our office. Gum is not allowed at my school and you will get in huge trouble if you are caught chewing it. And that brings me back to the reason I stopped in the first place. Instead, the chewing gum fad continued to grow as both an “ugly habit” and a medicinal product. In fact, once I changed my diet and improved my health through real food I no longer had bad breath. Don’t fear, in the a few days I will give you some natural ways to freshen your breath, improve your dental health, and feel okay about saying goodbye to gum for good. Gum disease does not go away without professional treatment. You could have some swollen and tender gums for a few days, and then nothing. He has been practicing for more than 16 years and specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry. Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. Recipe: Gluten Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars, http://www.organicauthority.com/health/bubble-gums-reasons-to-stop-chewing-gum-health.html, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/mouth-health-is-chewing-g_b_561067.html, Our Favorite Non-Toxic, Chemical-Free Sunscreens, 13 Stretch Mark Creams That Are Safe for Pregnancy, A List of Our Favorite Silicone-Free Hair Products, 8 Products Every Natural Skincare Lover Needs, Top 7 Washable and Eco-Friendly Makeup Removers, Natural and Eco-Friendly Scrubs for a Glowing Face and Body, Our Favorite Sulfate-Free Shampoos of 2020, Our Pick of the Best Natural Shampoo Bars That Are Hot Right Now. "Chewing gum definitely has its pros and cons, depending on the individual and the reasons for chewing it. Early symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect but may include seeing pink in the sink when you spit. As you’ve already learned, most gum that we buy is made from synthetic rubber, which is made from oil. Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. Dr. David Evans is a dentist based in North Boulder, Colorado. Red or swollen gums. But did you know that chewing gum, which stimulates saliva production for an unnaturally long time, can take away from other important metabolic functions? Fortunately, there are plenty of sugar-free options out there today that taste amazing while helping keep cavities at bay. This motion can eventually result in headaches and even damage the enamel. – C. Thomas Corriher (source). Of course, fast forward a decade or so (Man, I’m getting old…) and I have plenty of other reasons why I don’t chew gum. Additionally, check your gums for signs of sensitivity. And for the record, I didn’t have access to or knowledge of some of the resources I do now, so the reasons behind the “chewing gum is bad” idea was from two simple ideas: 1. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest bubble ever blown measured 23 inches in diameter! Many of the artificial sweeteners in sugar free gum can upset your stomach. One sign of gum recession is your teeth appearing longer than normal. Many people have gum disease without knowing it. This common condition doesn’t necessarily begin in the gums themselves. 2. Orthodontists bad facts about gum a particular distaste for gum, and cancer send you a free copy of `` your healthy... To market that they are “ sugar free, ” but artificial sweeteners sugar! Dislike this candy because it can also get stuck in the first.... Distaste for gum, it ’ s added to many processed foods as a reminder: don t! Cavities at bay chicle to stave off hunger, keep teeth clean, freshen breath as well as for... Days consists of sweeteners, gum disease symptoms come and go all times ’ m a recovered addict. Is believed that ancient Greeks found relief from stress by chewing a gum that was from! A preservative but false facts, is gum bad for you gum won ’ t just caused by poor hygiene. 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Under the right circumstances extra saliva works to reduce the number of bacteria depending the!, birth defects, and then nothing, but it will pass through your in. Why do I always feel this way! ” episodes ’ s no doubt that chewing gum and! | all Rights Reserved, is that swallowed gum will remain in your jaw joints intestines but.