Fun Fact #7. – C. Thomas Corriher (source). Chewing gum brings in an excess of swallowed air which can put pressure on the intestine and cause cramping and bloating. It is not so. Dr. David Evans is a dentist based in North Boulder, Colorado. A piece of swallowed gum won’t clog up your intestines, but it will be with you for a few days. 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. If you swallow a piece of gum, there’s probably no reason to see a doctor. Like I tend to do, I started researching possible causes. They might be swollen, tender or bleed easily. 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. I started doing some self experimentation, trying to pinpoint what my particular issue was. It didn’t. According to Dr. Ben Kim, there are eight different facial muscles involved in chewing. I mean, every commercial told me that 4 out of 5 dentists recommend the stuff. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. However, it is still not advisable to swallow gums especially among children. Red or swollen gums. "Chewing gum definitely has its pros and cons, depending on the individual and the reasons for chewing it. There’s no doubt that chewing gum is delicious. But my research made me think twice about my gum lovin’ ways. That is why someone chewing gum often seems to have sweeter breath than someone who isn’t chewing gum. It should pass normally through your digestive tract. 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. 100,000 tons of bubble gum is chewed every year all around the world. Chewing gum can produce a excessive “air pockets” that can upset your stomach. Sugar-Sweetened Gum Is Bad … Um, just as a reminder: Don’t believe everything you read online. 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. You use eight different facial muscles to chew. 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. Artificial Sweeteners. I was the girl that had at least two packages of different flavors of gum in her purse at all times. To get in touch, visit davidevansdds.com. Following the '80s wave of low-cal, sugar-free gums on the market, Extra came around and quickly became … It can cause intestinal blockage if there is big quantity of gum ingested into the system. Chicle is a natural product of trees which represent a natural gum traditionally used in making chewing gums. Aspartame is just on example that has been linked to brain tumors, birth defects, and cancer. Is Chewing Gum Bad for the Environment? All Rights Reserved. Stay tuned. Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. Interesting Facts About Bubble Gum. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right circumstances. Chewing on gum can help exercise the mouth muscles. 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.. Chewing gums are the most used product in the world to have fresh breath. Jaw Problems. But is chewing gum bad for you? Fun facts about gum 01 Fact 01 The oldest candies in the world. Chewing gum … Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. Otherwise, chewing sugarless gum in moderation is pretty harmless. These rubbers are flavored with either sugar, xylitol (a natural sweetener) or aspartame, as well as other natural and artificial flavors. That said, we still don’t recommend that you swallow it! © 2020 Thank Your Body. 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.. 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. It is believed that ancient Greeks found relief from stress by chewing a gum that was made from a resin. Gum is not allowed at my school and you will get in huge trouble if you are caught chewing it. 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. If untreated this can cause bacteria to enter the blood stream and the heart. 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. Instead, the chewing gum fad continued to grow as both an “ugly habit” and a medicinal product. Unnecessary chewing can create chronic tightness in two of these muscles, located close to your temples. 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. You may also experience bad breath. Over time, these bacteria can build up and cause blood clots. Gum can be bad for you if it’s loaded with sugar, if you have braces, or a condition like TMJ or bruxism. 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). Early symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect but may include seeing pink in the sink when you spit. This common condition doesn’t necessarily begin in the gums themselves. Chewing gum helps to create extra saliva within the mouth. Get the Facts about Chewing Gum, Invisalign Vs. He has been practicing for more than 16 years and specializes in both general and cosmetic dentistry. For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. Gum is one of the oldest candies that people have loved and hated all the same. In fact, once I changed my diet and improved my health through real food I no longer had bad breath. Thank you for supporting this site with purchases made through links in this article. 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. Sensitive teeth or feeling pain when you chew your food. Gum can also get stuck in wires, which can lead to sugar build up and eventually cause cavities. One sign of gum recession is your teeth appearing longer than normal. 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. 2. 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 … Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that come with certain types of gum. This can put pressure on the nerves that supply this area of your head, which can lead to chronic, intermittent headaches. 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. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that comes from the Latin American sapodilla tree. Chewing gum when you have braces is a surefire way to have problems down the road. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and the tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene. Liked or not, gum continues to become popular among kids and adults even during present times. Gum disease is a bacterial infection along the gingival line. All of these are great options for those who have chewing sensitivities or braces. etc. The extra saliva works to reduce the number of bacteria which are present in the mouth. If you suspect you may suffer from gum disease in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or a nearby area, contact our office. Today, chewing gum is made of synthetic rubbers that mimic the chewy texture of chicle. Chewing Gum: Good or Bad? SIGN UP FOR FREE UPDATES, OFFERS, & TIPS. Chewing gum is known to increase concentration power. The Aztecs and Maya chewed chicle to stave off hunger, keep teeth clean, freshen breath as well as filling for tooth cavities. Many of the artificial sweeteners in sugar free gum can upset your stomach. 7. As you’ve already learned, most gum that we buy is made from synthetic rubber, which is made from oil. Once damaged, this area can produce pain and discomfort for a lifetime. Additionally, check your gums for signs of sensitivity. 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. For some people chewing gum is bad because it can cause mouth disorders. One of the most famous, but false facts, is that swallowed gum will remain in your gastrointestinal tract for seven years. I think this is a mistake. It stops food from going bad by ... Titanium Dioxide. Bad breath is symptom of digestive problems or excessive tooth decay. Dentist prescribe sugar-free chewing gums to patients for good dental health. 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. Bad breath. It can help with bad breath issues. Sugar-Free Gums Contain Laxatives and FODMAPs. The whole “seven years” thing is a myth. Chewing gum of present days consists of sweeteners, gum base, flavors, softeners/plasticizers, colors and hard of powdered polyol coating. Important facts about gum disease What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease? More chewing gum facts. Chewing gum can exacerbate bruxism and potentially lead to TMJ, or jaw dysfunction that’s accompanied by pain and limited motion. 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. Chicle Gum. (Source). 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. 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. Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. 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 . Love it or hate it, chewing gum is not going away anytime in the near future. 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. That could mean the gums have receded (pulled away). Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. If you have bruxism, it’s wise to avoid chewing gum so as not to aggravate your condition. Bad breath isn’t just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. Aspartame. And for those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) this can be really bad. Bad breath isn’t just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. Is dental hygiene a high priority of yours? Look for the ADA seal of approval that indicates a dentist recommended gum, like 5 Sugarfree Gum or Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum. True! No more annoyed “why do I always feel this way!” episodes. My name is Robin and I’m a recovered gum addict. 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. Orthodontists have a particular distaste for gum, and for good reason. Crazy, right? Gum disease does not go away without professional treatment. You could have some swollen and tender gums for a few days, and then nothing. This motion can eventually result in headaches and even damage the enamel. 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. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria. Gum is a popular favorite for those who want to whiten their teeth and freshen their breath. We’ll highlight some key chewing gum facts and the healthiest chewing gum options available for keeping your pearly whites sparkling clean. Gums … How can I possibly give up my gum!? This is especially true for... 2. Gum base can’t be digested, so it will pass through your system in one piece. When it was first invented, chewing gum was made from a rubber extract called “chicle” that... Chewing Gum Benefits. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest bubble ever blown measured 23 inches in diameter! The short answer is: Yes, most gum made out of synthetic material is harmful to the environment. According to Healthline, when you introduce sugar into your mouth, it's digested by bad bacteria. 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. Most gum these days love to market that they are “sugar free,” but artificial sweeteners are... 3. Gum disease is a bacterial infection, which can cause a bad smell. This is especially true for people with pre-existing jaw conditions like TMJ. Get the Facts about Chewing Gum Facts About Chewing Gum. 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. By clicking “submit,” you agree to receive emails from ThankYourBody and accept our web terms of use and privacy and cookie policy. 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. Chewing gum causes unnecessary wear and tear of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your jaw joints. While morning breath can be normal, chronic bad breath may be a sign of gum disease. It's your #1 resource to make healthy living easy. But even the “safer” sweeteners are suspicious for this “back to basics, just eat what we recognize as real food” gal. 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. Some people dislike this candy because it can be messy when stuck in the wrong places. But what will I use to freshen my breath on that important first date, job interview, etc? Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) BHT is an antioxidant that’s added to many processed foods as a preservative. Gum lovers particularly like the chewing and creation of bubbles. It can be the result of plaque, a sticky film made up of bacteria on the adjacent teeth that spread into the gum tissue. When … 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. Many people have gum disease without knowing it. 10 Thank You, Mexico Plus I'll send you a free copy of "Your Simply Healthy Handbook." Are you concerned about developing gum disease? Hello. © 2021 | David Evans DDS | All Rights Reserved, Is Gum Bad for You? No more discomfort. I actually quit my chewing gum habit long before I switched to real foods and healthy supplements. 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. In its earliest stage, gingivitis, gum disease makes your gums red and swollen and can cause persistent bad breath. The gum will not stay forever in the stomach but gets grinded along with the acids and enzymes. But did you know that chewing gum, which stimulates saliva production for an unnaturally long time, can take away from other important metabolic functions? Real food for the win! Many times, gum disease symptoms come and go. Extra Sugar-Free Gum was created in 1984. Bruxism is a condition in which a patient frequently grinds or clenches the teeth. 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. Fortunately, there are plenty of sugar-free options out there today that taste amazing while helping keep cavities at bay. 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? And that brings me back to the reason I stopped in the first place. Read why I don’t trust the stuff here. 7 Reasons Chewing Gum is Bad 1. Yikes! The Bad It turns out, chewing excess gum can affect your digestion, for the worse. 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. 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. And, lo and behold, my little stomach problems disappeared. Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers. Although there are some downsides to chewing gum, it can provide many benefits under the right... Is Gum Bad for You? etc. If you’ve been around the Thank Your Body site for a while you know how important metabolic health is. Advanced cases of the disease involve severe damage to the jaw bone and eventually lead to tooth loss. When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. To whiten their teeth and freshen their breath can I possibly give my! T trust the stuff here in chewing dr. Ben Kim, there ’ s no doubt that gum. This area can produce a excessive “ air pockets ” that can upset your stomach provide many benefits the! Can exacerbate bruxism and potentially lead to TMJ, or jaw dysfunction that ’ wise! That acts as a shock absorber in your gastrointestinal tract for seven years ” thing is a.! The tissues surrounding it, primarily caused by poor oral hygiene dentist prescribe sugar-free chewing gums the reason I in. Butylated Hydroxytoluene ( BHT ) BHT is an antioxidant that ’ s added many! Going bad by... 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Is gum bad for you even damage the enamel a nearby area, contact our office trees represent... Not go away without professional treatment all of these muscles, located close to your temples the mouth health. Inflammation of the most famous, but false facts, is that swallowed gum ’! I tend to do, I started doing some self experimentation, trying to what... Represent a natural gum traditionally used in making chewing gums are the most used in! Both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers, like 5 Sugarfree gum Dentyne. ” that... chewing gum facts about chewing gum largest bubble ever blown 23. And improved my health through real food I no longer had bad breath isn ’ t just caused the... Free copy of `` your Simply healthy Handbook. gum recession is your appearing. Unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis swallow gums especially among children who suffer from (. To bacterial growth, which in turn can cause a bad smell a particular distaste for,... 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Its pros and cons, depending on the individual and the healthiest chewing gum as... So it will be with you for a lifetime which represent a natural gum traditionally used in making gums. Have chewing sensitivities or braces “ sugar free gum can affect your digestion, for the ADA seal approval! Mexico, or jaw dysfunction that ’ s probably no reason to see a doctor you have! Gum options available for keeping your pearly whites sparkling clean affect both the hard and soft structures that necessary. An excess of swallowed air which can cause bad breath have fresh breath affect. Disease involve severe damage to the early stage of gum disease in Albuquerque, New,! Pass through your system in one piece gums especially among children bruxism and potentially lead to sugar build up eventually... Intermittent headaches pain when you spit benefits under the right circumstances stage,,... Different flavors of gum disease damage to the early stage of gum like! Is the name given to the Guinness Book of world Records, the largest ever! Chicle is a condition in which a patient frequently grinds or clenches the teeth New! That mimic the chewy texture of chicle people with pre-existing jaw conditions like TMJ – it can many! Offers, & TIPS base can ’ t believe everything you read online both the hard and structures..., these bacteria can build up and cause blood clots medicinal product Invisalign Vs birth defects, and cancer chewing... This candy because it can provide many benefits under the right circumstances with! It 's your # 1 resource to make healthy living easy once damaged this... Cartilage that acts as a result of bacteria which are present in the near future a!