Chewing gum is best eaten in moderation
As a food that can freshen breath, chewing gum and xylitol certainly have their effects, but they shouldn't be eaten excessively—don't chew a piece at every turn, as it's not good for your health. Why?
First, many women believe that chewing gum can help with weight loss. In fact, chewing gum not only doesn't help with weight loss, but it can make people feel hungrier the more they chew, and in the end, they'll give up gum to eat snacks.
Second, chewing gum increases saliva secretion, keeping the mouth in a high metabolic state for long periods. Producing too much unnecessary saliva isn't actually good for the body. Moreover, if you like to chew outdoors, a lot of air can get into your stomach, causing bloating and discomfort.
Third, chewing a lot of gum can damage your teeth. If it's mint-flavored, frequent chewing can damage the oral mucosa because it is corrosive. Also, frequently and heavily chewing can make your chewing muscles more developed, leading to a larger face.
Some people or some advertisements say that regular gum can cause cavities, but xylitol gum can "go off the beaten track"—having the effect of preventing cavities. Therefore, many people will only buy gum containing xylitol. However, recent experts have pointed out that the effects of xylitol have been exaggerated and there are misconceptions about its use. Long-term excessive consumption can also have side effects, such as diarrhea and obesity, and xylitol is contraindicated for people with insulin-induced hypoglycemia.
In fact, xylitol is a type of nutrient extracted from plants that can supplement calories and improve the body's blood sugar metabolism. Because it does not increase blood sugar concentration, it is also used as a sugar substitute for diabetic patients. However, some manufacturers claim that their xylitol gum not only prevents cavities but can even repair them. Is xylitol really that magical?
In fact, xylitol is not easily fermented by microorganisms to produce acidic substances, so it can reduce the formation of dental plaque and cavities and does have a certain effect in preventing cavities. However, gum containing xylitol can only reduce the possibility of getting cavities; it cannot treat cavities that have already formed. At best, people who frequently eat xylitol are less likely to get cavities compared to those who frequently eat sucrose, but it still carries the aforementioned harms of chewing gum.
From this, it seems that foods like gum should be eaten and chewed in moderation.