Chewing gum is a silky, elastic substance that is made to be chewed but not engulfed. Chewing gum consists of-

• Aspartame – Aspartame is an artificial sweetener normally used in sugar-free foods.

• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)- High amount of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) stops fats from turning into rancid which can cause cancer.

• Titanium dioxide- Titanium dioxide may be a regular artificial additive used to whiten products and provides them a smooth texture.

There are few positive effects of chewing gum and bad effects of chewing gum.  This article consists of a brief description of both.

Positive effects of chewing gum are-

• Protect your teeth and reduce bad breath-

Sugar-free chewing gum may help defend your teeth from tooth cavities and bad breath. This can be as a result of sugar which increases saliva flow and kills the bacteria in your mouth and prevent tooth decay. Having chewing gum after a meal will help in washing away harmful sugars and food remains in the teeth.

• Reduce stress and boost memory

The research found that chewing gum while doing work will enhance varied aspects of brain operation, memory, alertness, decision making, and understanding.

• Help you lose weight

Chewing gum might be a use for those who are attempting to lose weight. Due to its sweetness and low in calories, and thus providing you with a sweet taste without processing your diet.

It has also been found that chewing gum may cut back your craving that may stop you from overeating.

• Could assist you to focus for extended periods-

Research has also found that chewing gum may cut back stress levels and boost alertness which makes you focus on your studies or work for a longer duration.

Other health advantages of chewing gum are-

• Helps from recovering from surgery- Research has found that chewing gum after an operation may boost up your recovery time.

• Prevents ear infections in kids- Due to the presence of xylitol in chewing gum. 

• Helps you quit smoking

Disadvantages of chewing gum

Chewing an excessive amount of gum may cause some unwanted effects.

• Stomach and digestive issues

While chewing gum, you swallow excess air, which might result in abdominal pain and bloating.

Also, after you chew gum you send a signal to your body that food is going to enter the body. The enzymes that are activated after you chew gum are also released, however without the food they are meant to digest.

This will cause an overproduction of abdomen acid and might reduce your ability to produce enough digestive secretions when you really do eat food. 

• Sugar-sweetened gum affects your teeth and metabolism

Chewing gum sweetened with sugar is actually dangerous for your teeth.

Sugar is digestible by the unhealthy bacteria already present in your mouth, this sugar will add up the bacteria and raise the amount of plaque on your teeth and tooth decay over time.

• Sugar-free gums and FODMAPs effects

The sugar alcohols used to for sweetening the sugar-free gum, alcohol is used which have a laxative impact once taken in large amounts. This might cause digestive problems and diarrhea.

• Chewing gum is connected to headaches-

Frequently chewing gum can affect the people having migraines and headaches constantly. It will worsen the pain. The researchers concluded that migraine sufferers would possibly need to limit chewing gum.

• Eating an excessive amount of sugar is also related to a variety of health issues such as diabetes, insulin resistance, and obesity.

• Chewing gum may affect your Jaw-

Constant chewing might cause a jaw problem referred to as TMD (temporomandibular disorder), which results in pain after you chew.