Top 10 Health Benefits Of Chewing Gum
Today we think of chewing gum as a breath freshener, something you hope doesn't get stuck under the sole of your shoe, or an easy way to keep your ears from getting clogged. Buzzing when flying. But did you know that humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years? One of the oldest pieces of chewing gum ever discovered is nearly 6,000 years old and made from birch sap.
Some scientists believe that early humans used it to clean their teeth.
Paleolithic humans: They were just like us! Our Stone Age ancestors may have followed a regimen other than a bland diet. In certain situations, chewing gum may be good for your health. Chewing sugar-free gum can have a positive impact on oral health, mental health and even stomach health.
So, whether you're already a gum lover or not, it's time to start to know the Benefits of Chewing Gum.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Chewing Gum
- Prevents cavities
- Prevents dry mouth
- Teeth cleaning
- Slows enamel loss
- Keeps you alert
- May Help Memory
- May increase metabolic rate
- Helps relieve nausea and heartburn
- Reduces anxiety
- Stimulates bowel function
1. Prevents cavities
When it comes to gum's impact on dental health, it's all about saliva flow.
The act of chewing stimulates saliva flow up to 10 times more than when you're not chewing. This helps neutralize acids in the dental plaque that cause cavities.
Neutralizing this acid can be especially helpful as soon as a new cavity appears.
2. Prevents dry mouth
If you've ever suffered from dry mouth, you'll know how uncomfortable - and often embarrassing - the feeling is.
Dry mouth can occur when you're nervous, increases in frequency with age, or can be the result of certain medications. This can make it difficult to swallow or speak and lead to bad breath. The best way to prevent dry mouthbis saliva production.
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The chewing action combined with the flavor of the gum stimulates the flow of saliva. This covers your mouth, helping you swallow food and talk.
It also neutralizes the acids that cause dental plaque, one of the main causes of bad breath.
3. Teeth cleaning
Do you know that unpleasant feeling in your mouth when you've just had lunch but there's nowhere to brush your teeth?
Sugar-free gum can help remove food or sugar residue from your mouth, while also cleaning your mouth and leaving things feeling fresh.
It's like the perfect antidote to morning coffee breath.
4. Slows enamel loss
Regularly consuming acidic foods, such as lemon juice or coffee, can accelerate enamel loss. Chewing sugar-free gum creates a protective layer that covers the mouth and can slow the loss of tooth enamel.
The flow of saliva from chewing gum can also help offset some of the damage we cause to our teeth during the day from snacking or drinking sugary drinks.
5. Keeps you alert
Studies have shown that chewing gum can help keep you focused and attentive. While this might work for keeping you from nodding off at a boring meeting, the extent of this effect has limitations.
It may keep you alert in certain circumstances, but it may not be a substitute for a good night's sleep or staying awake when you're very exhausted.
6. May Help Memory
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Research on the relationship between chewing gum and memory is rare, but this is an area of research that scientists are looking into. There may be evidence that in people with Alzheimer's disease and other problems related to aging, loss of teeth and chewing ability may be associated with reduced cognitive function.
Another recent study found that reduced chewing efficiency may affect cognitive function.
7. May increase metabolic rate
New research shows that chewing gum can increase your metabolic rate by up to 15%. Chewing sugar-free gum may be a better way to keep your mouth busy than mindless snacking.
8. Helps relieve nausea and heartburn
Don't have an antacid on hand?
Instead, try chewing a piece of gum.
Chewing gum can relieve heartburn by stimulating the production of saliva, which neutralizes stomach acid.
9. Reduces anxiety
Chewing gum can help your brain slow down when you panic. Focusing all five senses on gum the shape, taste, smell, feel in the mouth, chewing sound is a foundational technique that can help you soothe yourself and regulate your emotions.
10. Stimulates bowel function
Surprisingly, there is evidence that chewing gum can stimulate bowel movements and promote return of bowel function. Doctors may recommend that patients chew gum after surgery, especially abdominal surgery, to “jump-start the process.
” Whatever problem, chewing sugar-free gum can help you solve it.
