Five side effects of chewing gum

Either for fun or to aid digestion, it’s important to note that chewing of gum comes with side effects.

Here are five side effects of gum chewing for addicts:

1. It aids weight gain

chewing gum as a dietary aid can backfire in a bad way. The chewing motion and constant saliva trick your brain to think that you are very hungry.

And peppermint gum leads you to go for junk food, rather than healthier options like fruit because the taste is horrible. Bubblegum chewers also tend to eat fewer meals a day but load up on calories when they do eat.

2. Influences digestive system

For someone who has a sensitive stomach or indigestion, when you chew, always swallow small sips of air and fill your stomach with gas that can cause bloating.

The sugar alcohols that are often used as sweeteners act as purgatives in the gum often causes cramps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Causes jaw problems

Constant chewing of gum can lead to a disorder that affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Any movement of the jaw- eating, laughing, or even talking- comes with a severe pain that sometimes spreads to the neck and shoulders.

The risk is always high especially if you chew it during times of stress, as people tend to unconsciously clench their teeth when nervous.

4. It Impacts your brain

Constant pressure on the jaw increases the number and frequency of migraines and tension headaches.

In the worst case, it can lead to chronic headaches. So if you’re already predisposed to migraines, it’s best to avoid gum altogether.


5. It affects your teeth

But if your gum contains sugar, it has a negative impact on oral health. Bacteria that live in the oral cavity digest sugar before it reaches the stomach, causing plaque buildup on your teeth. It also increases tooth decay over time.