For ages, chewing gum represented popular pastime that was used all over the world. From the prehistoric men and women who chewed lumps of tree resin for enjoyment, Ancient Greeks who used tree resin to clean their teeth and freshen their breath, Maya Indians who used gummed chicle, and Europeans and American settlers who used hardened tree sap and beeswax. Sadly, even though use of chewing gum can undoubtedly have many positive effects, it can also endanger us. Here are some of the most common chewing gum side effects and disadvantages:
Tooth Decay
Sugared gums can with heavy use cause tooth decay, gum disease and cavities. This happens because sugar coats the teeth, and can slowly cause damaging of tooth enamel if they are not immediately brushed. To reduce harmful effects of sugared gums, seek out gum brands that use smaller quantities of sugar.
Artificial Sweetener Allergies
Almost all popular sugar brands use artificial sweeteners to make their products longer lasing, sweeter or to achieve special kind of taste. Some of those artificial sweeteners can cause allergic reaction, especially Aspartame and Sorbitol. Others can cause irritation or headaches
Jaw Stress
Even though many gum manufacturers claim that their products can be used all the time and on any occasion, detailed studies show that habitual use of chewing gums may cause continuous stress on your jaws. If not regulated, this stress can lead to the condition called Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TJD), which is manifested with strong facial pain and great discomfort in the back of the neck.
Stomach Issues
Continuous chewing of gum can lead to the increased levels of stress to your stomach and intestines. After meals your stomach mush receive period of resting time for it to digest food, but chewing and continuous swallowing of saliva interferes with that rest. Stomach issues that can appear in those situations are irritation, aches, and aggravated gastritis. In some cases, you can even develop gastric ulcer!
Social distraction
In many modern cultures, people have accepted that chewing a gum in some social environments (public areas, school, workplace, etc.) is distracting and irritating. Please consider what social effects your chewing gum will cause in the people around you.
Masseter problems
Frequent chewing of gum can lead to masseter problems that are result of your constant grinding of teeth at night. If you are suffering from JMJ dysfunction, you must consider totally abandoning gums.
Kidney problems
If the cavities in your teeth are filled with mercury fillings, frequent chewing of gun may cause their dislodging and releasing of this dangerous material in your metabolism. The most common target of mercury is blood, urinary tract, nerves and brain.
Irregular development of facial muscles
Extensive chewing of gum in puberty may lead to the stimulation of jawbone and facial muscles and creation of larger face.
