The Disadvantages of Chewing Gum
Chewing
gum has been a popular pastime for ages. Ancient Greeks chewed gum
made from the resin of the mastic tree and ancient Mayans chewed on gum
sourced from the sapodilla tree. While the ingredients have changed,
gum is still trendy today. Gum is most commonly used as a breath
freshener. However, chewing gum can have its disadvantages. Knowing
the potential damage chewing gum can cause is important when choosing to
chew.
Troubles caused:
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Chewing sugared gum can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Sugar coats the teeth and can be destructive to your teeth without immediate brushing. Damage to your natural tooth enamel is also possible. When purchasing gum, beware of gums with large quantities of sugar. Artificial sweeteners can cause headaches or digestive
Chewing sugared gum can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Sugar coats the teeth and can be destructive to your teeth without immediate brushing. Damage to your natural tooth enamel is also possible. When purchasing gum, beware of gums with large quantities of sugar. While chewing sugarless gum is a possible alternative, make sure you are not allergic or sensitive to artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Sorbitol. Artificial sweeteners can cause headaches or digestive irritation.
Jaw Stress
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While many chewing gum companies boast the longevity of their product, frequent chewing or chewing for extended periods of time can have its disadvantages. Habitual chewing may cause continuous stress on your jaws. This leads to a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TJD). This condition includes facial pain and great discomfort in the back of the neck.
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Stomach Issues
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Chewing gum frequently can lead to stress on your stomach and intestines. After a meal, your stomach and intestines rely on a resting period to digest. Chewing gum soon thereafter may irritate your digestive systems, leading to stomach aches. In addition, chewing on an empty stomach may aggravate gastritis.
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