Chewing gum is a soft substance with elastic properties, designed mainly to be chewed, not swallowed. They contain gum base, sweeteners, softeners or plasticizers, flavours, colors, etc.
Before the second world war, chewing gum was made from chicle, mixed with flavoring. Chicle is a form of rubber just like rubber bands. Although a little softer than rubber bands. It is a latex sap gotten from the sapodilla tree in Central America.
Chicle may harden when frozen but softens when in the mouth. However it does not dissolve.
After the second world war, chemists discovered how to make artificial gum bases, mixed them up with sweeteners and flavoring and this replaced chicle.
People chew gum for so many reasons. For some, it's an addiction, for others, it's just for pleasure or to keep the mouth busy whereas others chew gum for the benefits it gives them. Sounds funny but true; chewing gum adds some value to the body, this goes beyond just chewing for pleasure.
Benefits of chewing gum
1.) Chewing gum improves concentration and sharpens our memory. This is as a result of increased blood flow to the brain while chewing, which brings about increase in the oxygen in the brain.
2.) Chewing gum has proven to be very effective in improving alertness. This is achieved through the movement of the jaw, which stimulates and makes the nerves and brain to be active.
3.) Chewing gum fights against stress and anxiety. When one is stressed or in a state of anxiety, chewing gum helps fight against stress and anxiety. In fact, chewing gum may act as a substitution for some nervous habits like biting of the nails and shaking of legs.
4.) It improves bad breath by eliminating the bacteria in the mouth which causes bad breath. This is as a result of the flavors used In producing them. These flavors are gotten from plant oils which is known for fighting bacteria.
5.) It protects the teeth. By increasing the flow of saliva in the mouth, the acid that causes tooth decay is reduced or eliminated. This is why dentists recommend sugarless gums. Meanwhile, sugar containing gums may go contrary to this, as they increase the acid build-up in our teeth.
6.) It reduces acid reflux and heartburn. This is why those suffering from heartburn are adviced to chew gum after meals To reduce acid in the esophagus.
Caution, peppermint and spearmint flavored gum should be avoided as they may worsen the case.
7.) It helps to ward off food cravings which may result to bloating and improves eating habits. This is why pregnant women are sometimes adviced to chew gum to keep the mouth busy, rather than craving for everything that passes by.
8.) It helps to moderate oral craving for cigarettes which may help cigarette smokers quit.
9.) It eliminates nausea.
Don't be fast to reach out for a stick of chewing gum after reading this. Chewing gums are not without problems, just as it has some benefits, it also posses a great danger.
Here are some side effects of chewing gum
1.) Sugar sweetened chewing gums can cause tooth damage. Similarly sugar free gums may also cause harm to to the tooth because they usually contain acidic flavorings and preservatives that may lead to dental erosion.
2.) Chewing gum may also lead to gastrointestinal problems as a result of excess intake of air.
Conclusion
Knowing that the problems caused by chewing gum are health related as a result of the ingredients used in producing them, brands of chewing gum should be chosen cautiously.
Also our teeth should be properly brushed and our mouths wrinsed properly to A avoid any of these potential side effects of chewing gum.
Also those who use braces and dental fillings should avoid chewing gum.
Meanwhile chewing gums may cause allergies and if you discover that you are allergic to any product, you must see a doctor for solutions.
However, reading the labels of your chewing gums to check for its content is a safer way out.
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