If you ask a bunch of people whether chewing gum is good or bad for your health, you’ll probably get a range of opinions. That’s because chewing gum has both positive and negative effects on your dental and overall health. To really understand its impact, we need to look into how chewing gum affects your mouth and your body as a whole from different angles.
Are the Ingredients in Chewing Gum Safe?
Although health regulatory agencies generally consider artificial sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, to be safe, researchers have limited knowledge about their long-term effects. Recent research from 2023 involving 1,157 individuals has raised concerns. It discovered that elevated levels of the sugar alcohol erythritol were associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke and fatal and nonfatal heart attacks.
Some sugar-free chewing gums contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame-K instead of sugar alcohols. Certain studies, such as one from 2022, have suggested a connection between increased intake of these artificial sweeteners and a higher risk of cancer. Moreover, a review from 2018 indicates that prolonged use of beverages containing artificial sweeteners is linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it notes that using them for cavity prevention over a shorter period may not have the same effects.
Despite assertions of safety from health oversight agencies and statements from reviews, the use of these ingredients remains controversial.
Are there any Advantages to Chewing Gum?
Chewing gum can offer benefits such as stimulating saliva production and reducing cavities. A healthy amount of saliva is essential for oral health as it aids in food digestion, swallowing, and cavity prevention. In cases of dry mouth, where saliva production is insufficient, chewing sugar-free gum is recommended by some doctors to help stimulate saliva production.
Increased saliva production can assist in cavity prevention through the following mechanisms:
- Saliva contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphate, which contribute to the strength of tooth enamel.
- Saliva delivers protective proteins to the teeth, guarding against dental erosion.
- Saliva helps neutralize acids from certain foods and drinks that can weaken tooth enamel.
Potential Health Risks Associated with Regular Gum Chewing
1. Headaches
Excessive gum chewing, especially during stressful times like studying for exams, can fatigue jaw muscles and lead to headaches. Stress-induced faster and harder chewing exacerbates this issue, resulting in tension headaches, particularly observed in younger individuals like high school students (1).
2. TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
The TMJ is where the jawbone connects to the skull. TMJ disorders occur when the muscles controlling this joint become fatigued or imbalanced. While most gum chewing doesn’t directly cause TMJ disorders, habitual gum chewers can experience muscle fatigue, increasing their risk. Aggressive or one-sided chewing can also stress the TMJ area more than usual, heightening the risk of TMJ disorders (2).
3. Tooth Deformities
Regular gum chewing can lead to excessive wear on tooth enamel and changes in bite alignment. Over time, this habit can cause the upper molars to spread apart while the lower molars drift backward, resulting in an overbite. Continued unchecked chewing may require orthodontic correction. Additionally, enamel wear can make teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and acidic substances.
4. Cavities
While dentists typically recommend sugar-free gum to mitigate risks, chewing sugary gum over time can increase cavity risk. Prolonged exposure to sugar can contribute to cavities, especially when gum chewing becomes a regular habit.
RELATED: Artificial Sweeteners: Health Debate over Alleged Benefits
General Health Risks and Behavioral Impacts of Chewing Gum
Most chewing gum contains artificial sweeteners that can negatively impact your health, whether or not the gum contains sugar. According to an academic study on eating habits, individuals who chew gum are less likely to consume healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and more likely to opt for harmful snacks such as candy. This dietary pattern can contribute to tooth decay.
Chewing gum has the potential to release mercury from mercury amalgam fillings. Additionally, sugar-sweetened gum can lead to tooth decay and erosion. When you chew sugary gum, your teeth and gums are exposed to prolonged sugar exposure, which can increase the risk of decay.
In the United States, 59% of the population regularly uses chewing gum. This usage rate is even higher in Iran (82%) and Saudi Arabia (79%). The prevalence in the Middle East is attributed to a cultural tradition where small merchants often distribute chewing gum instead of small change.