Doctors Talked About the Safe Time for Chewing Gum 0 11

Sugar-free chewing gum can indeed reduce the risk of cavities and strengthen facial muscles. However, a dentist warns that excessive chewing of gum can have the opposite effect, reports the Daily Mail.

Dr. Khaled Kassem, chief orthodontist and co-founder of Impress in Barcelona, claims that prolonged chewing of gum can lead to cavities and various jaw diseases. He recommends chewing gum for no more than 15 minutes to achieve a positive effect.

Doctors also warn that swallowing chewing gum can cause a number of problems, including:

nausea;
vomiting;
diarrhea.

Nevertheless, researchers emphasize that sugar-free chewing gum does indeed reduce the likelihood of cavities. This is because chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps remove food particles and neutralize acids that contribute to bacterial growth in the mouth. It is these bacteria that ultimately lead to cavities.

According to Kassem, chewing gum helps reduce acidity, which in turn decreases the likelihood of cavities. However, if gum is chewed for too long, such as for several hours, it can lead to enamel wear — demineralization. Without enamel, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.

Additionally, doctors note that chewing gum can negatively affect the condition of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), which connect the lower jaw to the skull. These joints control chewing, speaking, yawning, and swallowing, and chewing gum can put excessive pressure on them.

Kassem adds that chewing gum itself does not harm the TMJ but can exacerbate existing injuries. Therefore, orthodontists recommend that patients with TMJ injuries avoid chewing gum.

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

pain in the jaw, shoulders, neck, and face;
jaw stiffness;
difficulty opening or closing the mouth;
jaw clicking;
headaches;
ear pain;
toothache;
tinnitus.

Studies have also shown that prolonged chewing of gum can increase the risk of TMJ disorders. Scientists warn that swallowing chewing gum can also cause gastrointestinal problems, as the stomach cannot break down the gum base, which can lead to prolonged digestion and, in rare cases, intestinal blockage.

Another study found that frequent gum chewing can cause headaches in predisposed individuals. Additionally, chewing gum can negatively affect the condition of other bones and muscles. Kassem advises patients with arthritis and osteoporosis to avoid chewing gum.

Kassem also emphasizes that it is better to choose sugar-free gums, especially those containing sorbitol and xylitol. The latter is preferred, as it is a natural sweetener.

Source: 1001sovet