Chewing Gum - 5 Facts That Will Make You Spit It Out Forever!

For ages, chewing gum has been a popular pastime for millions of people all over the globe. Some people chew it to fight boredom, some chew it to help them focus, and there are many others who use it for a fresh breath. Most people believe that it is okay to substitute brushing of teeth with a sugarless chewing gum, however, it is a what most people don't know is that it is a myth and an unhealthy practice.  

Sadly, even though the use of chewing gum can assuredly have many positive effects, it can also put us in jeopardy. Here are some of the most common chewing gum disadvantages of chewing a gum on regular basis:

1. Artificial Sweetener in Chewing Gum: Besides the sweetness, people like it for its flavor. Many people also use it as a replacement for a food craving. One fact that refrained many from consuming chewing gums was that it was loaded with sugar. However, with ever-growing awareness about consumption of sweetened products, the companies have now started offering sugar-free gum to health-conscious people which are made using artificial sweeteners. The artificial sweetener most commonly used in chewing gums is aspartame whose components metabolizes into wood alcohol and formaldehyde in the body. Both have carcinogenic properties and the body is unable to eliminate them through normal waste. These have been linked to cancers, birth defects and weight gain.
2. Can Lead To Deadly Diseases: Some tooth whitening gums contain an ingredient called Titanium Dioxide. This gives the chewing gum its glossy white color. It is a dangerous compound linked to many disorders including autoimmune disorders, crohn’s disease, asthma and cancer.
3. Can Lead To Gastrointestinal Problems: Gastrointestinal problems are quite common among chewing gum consumers. The symptoms include pain and cramps in abdomen, indigestion and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome has been found to be associated with chewing gum eaters as chewing gum can lead to swallowing of excess air and changing of bowel habits.
4. Can Lead To Tooth Decay: Dentists strongly recommend staying away from chewing gum habit, as it can be a cause of tooth decay. Chewing gum may also release mercury from Dental fillings into the system causing a host of problems.
5. Link Between Having Chewing Gum and Headache: Recent research has established a link between eating chewing gum and headache and migraines. It is believed that chewing gum puts an undue pressure on temporomandibular joint causing headaches. It can also lead to pain and lack of mobility in the jaw, causing an inability to chew meals. This is called temporomandibular joint disorder and is commonly found among chewing gum lovers.

Other than these, people should also be aware of the fact that the base of a chewing gum is made from a combination of chemicals and non-edible substances, which is again harmful to the health. Although people only chew it for flavor and throw the rest, the compounds do get stuck to the linings of the mouth and enter the system. A chewing gum adds no nutritive value and diminishes a person’s ability to chew and eat normally. For its far-reaching side effects, this habit is a big no to keep. In case of a query,  consult an expert & get answers!