Chewing gum after meals can protect teeth, clean teeth, and freshen breath. However, constantly chewing gum can lead to six major side effects.
1. Craving more junk food. It has been reported that chewing gum before meals can curb hunger. However, a study published in the British Journal of "Appetite" has corrected this misconception. The study found that chewing gum not only does not affect calorie intake, but mint-flavored gum can also make fruits and vegetables taste bitter, reducing the consumption of healthy foods and increasing the likelihood of eating junk food like chips and candy. It is recommended to drink a small cup of green tea before meals to control appetite and aid in weight loss.
2. Triggering headaches. Don Atkins, a dental doctor from Long Beach, California, states that constantly chewing gum can lead to pain in the masseter muscles and the temporomandibular joint. Many patients ultimately develop headaches, earaches, or toothaches due to the contraction of the jaw and head and neck muscles. Experts suggest that when you feel the urge to chew gum, you can eat an apple to satisfy the "chewing desire."
3. Causing bloating and diarrhea. Patrick Takahashi, a gastroenterology doctor from the Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, states that constantly chewing gum can easily lead to swallowing large amounts of air, inducing abdominal pain and bloating. Artificial sweeteners in gum, such as sorbitol, can also cause diarrhea in some people, leading to irritable bowel syndrome. Experts recommend that people with sensitive stomachs should avoid chewing gum.
4. Causing cavities. Most chewing gums use sucrose as a sweetener. When chewed, the sugar stays in the mouth for a long time, providing favorable conditions for cariogenic bacteria to produce acidic substances, thus making it easier to develop cavities.
5. Ingesting mercury. People with mercury amalgam fillings should avoid chewing gum. Studies have found that frequent chewing can cause the release of some mercury from the filling material into the body. A large amount of mercury entering the body can lead to neurological diseases, chronic diseases, and mental illnesses. Although the amount of mercury released from fillings is small, it is best to take precautions.
6. Causing teeth grinding at night. Constantly chewing gum keeps the chewing muscles in a state of tension, increasing the likelihood of teeth grinding at night. Experts recommend that the time spent chewing gum should not exceed 15 minutes at a time.