Not only can make your breath fresh, chewing gum also has many health benefits. However, you should pay attention to a few things when chewing gum, because there are also side effects that may lurk.
Consumption of chewing gum is said to have various health benefits, but it does not apply to all types of chewing gum, yes. Chewing gum that is good for health is sugar-free gum. Chewing gum is said to be sugar free, if the sugar content in it is less than 0.5 grams.
Meanwhile, consumption of gum containing sugar or other additives in excessive amounts, such as BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene), aspartame, and titanium dioxide, should be limited because they can have a negative impact on health.
Various Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is candy designed to be chewed, not swallowed. Chewing gum, especially sugar-free gum, is said to provide a variety of health benefits, such as:
1. Reduce stress
A study shows that chewing gum can help with stress. In the study, it was stated that people who chewed gum when they were feeling anxious and stressed, for example when facing an exam, were calmer and could concentrate better.
Because the activity of chewing gum can help lower stress hormones, such as cortisol.
However, if your stress doesn't go away by chewing gum, try other ways to deal with stress, such as breathing, relaxation, or meditation.
2. Help maintain healthy teeth and mouth
Sugar-free gum is also beneficial for maintaining healthy teeth and mouth. Various studies have shown that people who regularly chew sugar-free gum appear to have a lower risk of developing cavities.
When chewing gum, saliva production will increase, so it can help clean the teeth and mouth of bacteria and food debris.
However, keep in mind. Although it can help prevent cavities, chewing gum still can't replace the function of brushing your teeth, right? To maintain the health and hygiene of your teeth and mouth, you also need to regularly brush your teeth 2 times a day and use dental floss.
3. Help lose weight
Chewing gum can also help reduce hunger and make appetite more controlled, and reduce the urge to snack or overeat. This makes the benefits of chewing gum good to help control or lose weight.
However, to get the ideal weight, you can't just rely on chewing gum. You also need to do other ways, such as maintaining a healthy diet, drinking enough water, and exercising regularly.
4. Prevent ear infections in children
Several studies have shown that children who consume chewing gum containing xylitol lower risk for ear infections. This is thought to be because the habit of chewing gum can help make a child's jaw stronger, as well as expand eustachian tube and the ear canal.
However, the benefits of chewing gum on this one are still being researched and have not been proven to be completely effective and safe. If your child has symptoms of an ear infection, such as smelly ears, discharge from the ears, fever, fussiness, and lack of eating and drinking, you should check with the doctor.
5. Tighten facial muscles
Not only strengthening the jaw, the habit of chewing candy is thought to help tighten facial muscles.
However, this does not mean that chewing gum can make your face shape thin instantly. This is because the shape of the face is generally influenced by many factors, such as genetics and weight.
In addition to the several benefits above, chewing gum is also said to be able to help expedite the recovery and digestion process in patients who have recently undergone surgery on the gastrointestinal tract, such as appendicitis surgery.
Carefully Choose Chewing Gum
Although chewing gum can bring many benefits, there are some things to consider when you want to consume it. The first thing is related to the sugar content in it.
Consumption of chewing gum that contains high sugar should be avoided because instead of helping to maintain healthy teeth and mouth, this can actually cause tooth decay.
Chewing gum containing artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, should also be limited or avoided. The reason is, excessive aspartame intake can trigger various complaints, such as headaches, dizziness, flatulence, and nausea.
In addition to paying attention to the sugar content, you also need to pay attention to how often you consume chewing gum. Avoid chewing gum too much or too often because it can put you at risk of developing certain health problems, such as diabetes, toothache, and jaw pain.
That's a variety of information about the benefits of chewing gum and its risks. In addition to eating chewing gum, remember to always maintain healthy teeth and mouth by brushing your teeth every day and going to the dentist regularly every 6 months.