Teachers absolutely hate gum, because it usually means smacking and bubble-popping, which they find disruptive. But the candy that lasts and lasts is finally catching a break as researchers discover more and more health benefits to smacking away.
As an avid gum chewer, I was already aware of some of the health benefits of gum. My gum of choice is Orbit White in any of the many minty flavors it comes in or spearmint Trident, and I chew a piece or two for about two or three hours a day. I used to have a problem with gritting my teeth, and chewing gum is what has kept me from falling back on this bad habit. I’ve also found the cool mint taste helps me cool down when I feel overheated and fights nausea. Chewing gum is also a great way to deal with stress; there’s something calming about the chewing motion and minty flavor. Plus I’m very addicted to coffee, and chewing gum after a cup seems to keep my teeth from getting horribly stained.
But these are just the little things I’ve noticed myself; researchers have found that there are even more health benefits to gum. In one study done by the Baylor College of Medicine, students who chewed gum while studying and taking tests had a 3 percent increase in their math test scores. Teachers have also reported that gum chewers seem to be better at paying attention, staying focused, and not disrupting class by being noisy.
Gum chewing has also been associated with helping to fight food cravings, especially sweets. In another study, those who chewed gum reported less food cravings and ate fewer snacks that were high in calories. (This is something I’ve also noticed; popping a piece of gum in my mouth seems to be enough to satisfy cravings throughout the day. I find the slight sweetness of it satisfying, and for some reason, the taste of mint in my mouth makes me desire other flavors less.)
The American Dental Association has even touted the health benefits of gum. On their website, it says that gums with the ADA seal can help fight tooth decay and keep teeth healthy. I can vouch for this, too; since I started chewing gum regularly, all of my dental exams have gone smoothly and my cleanings haven’t taken very long.
Chewing gum also burns calories, increases blood flow to the head, and could help with acid reflux (something I’ve also noticed). Gums containing the sweetner xylitol like Trident can further help prevent tooth decay, cavities, and plaque buildup. Additionally, xylitol gums have shown some ability to prevent inner ear infections. I used to suffer from ear infections once or twice a year, but haven’t had any for the last 6 years or so. I’m not sure if chewing gum has helped, but it definitely hasn’t hurt. Xylitol is not safe for pregnant women, however, so try to chew gum containing other artificial sweeteners if you are.
Now that you know all of these great benefits to chewing gum, chew away. Just opt for a gum like Trident Xtra Care that has been approved by the ADA for the best health benefits (I would probably chew it more, but it is a little more expensive).
It’s nice to know that after all those years of trying to hide my gum chewing from my teachers, I was actually doing something good for myself. So I’ll continue to chew away and tell critics of my moving jaw about all of the amazing health benefits I’m getting.
SOURCES:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/22/chewing.gum.benefits/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol#Dental_care
http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/chewing_gum.asp
