The Surprising Health Benefits and Risks of Chewing Gum

Many people assume that chewing gum is bad for dental health, when in fact that's not necessarily true.

"Chewing gum has both advantages and disadvantages. To benefit from it, one must chew sugar-free gum," writes Dr. Anat Kaplan-Valach, medical director and an oral medicine specialist. According to her, "Gums that contain sugar can lead to the development of tooth decay, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition to cavities."

What are the benefits of chewing gum?

Gum helps prevent tooth decay. "According to research, chewing gum for about 20 minutes after a meal is beneficial for oral health. It reduces mouth acidity, increases saliva flow, and thereby helps prevent cavities- commonly known as tooth decay," she writes.

Gum can also reduce nausea and bad breath. "Chewing not only adds a sense of freshness but also helps remove food particles and bacteria. The increased saliva flow from chewing rinses the mouth and reduces bad odors."

Finally, chewing gum may help people quit smoking.

On the flip side, gum can have drawbacks, especially when chewed excessively.

According to Dr. Kaplan-Valach, prolonged chewing can cause jaw pain, particularly in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). "One of the side effects of chewing gum is increased sensitivity in the jaw joint due to chronic overload on the chewing muscles," she explains.

She also mentions a lesser-known issue of headaches. "This is especially common among young people during exam periods filled with stress. Under pressure, people tend to chew more intensely, longer, and more rapidly, thereby worsening the issue and potentially leading to headaches."

Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps neutralize and wash away acids produced in the mouth during food breakdown. However, like with most things in life, moderation is key.