Throughout history, people have chewed on everything from resin and paraffin to Orbit. For example 5,000 years ago, people chewed pieces of birch bark tar.

The tar has antiseptic properties and other medicinal effects, just like modern chewing gum. Obviously, there is more to this habit than fresh breath or an unusual distraction. Much more, it seems.

We debunked some myths from reality about the effect chewing gum can have on your body, and we’re happy to share the results.

Effects of chewing gum on the body

6. It affects your teeth

Good: Sugar-free gum is an effective bacteria killerthat can give toothpaste a run for its money.

Protect your teeth against cavities and gingivitis, activating extra saliva that removes acids and food debris.

It also strengthens enamel by applying additional calcium and phosphate.

Bad: but if your gum contains sugar, it has a negative impact on oral health. Bacteria living in the oral cavity digest the sugar before it reaches the stomach, leading to plaque buildup on the teeth. It also increases tooth decay over time.

5. Improves memory

Chewing on the gum increases heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen supply to the brain. One of the positive effects of this is the cognitive boost we experience: it improves alertness, thought processing, decision-making, and memory.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work long term, it only works if you chew before or during particularly challenging tasks.

4. Helps in weight loss

Good: chewing gum can sometimes suppress our appetite. After chewing gum in the morning, people tend to feel less hungry.

It’s sweet and low in calories, so it can help you cut down on snacking. It also increases energy expenditure, speeds up metabolism and makes you feel less tired after eating.

Bad: But chewing gum’s reputation as a dietary aid can backfire. The chewing movement and constant saliva. trick your brain to think that you are very hungry.

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

3. Causes jaw problems

constant chewing can lead still disorder It affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Any movement of the jaw – eating, laughing or even talking – is accompanied by severe pain, sometimes extending to the neck and shoulders.

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

2. Influences the digestive system

Good: The extra saliva production from chewing gum helps effectively against morning sickness.

Some say it works better than drugs, reducing the chances of vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and nausea just as quickly, as well as being considerably cheaper and more widely available.

Bad: But woe to you if you have a sensitive stomach or indigestion! When you chew, always swallow small sips of air and fill your stomach with gas that can cause bloating.

Sugar alcohols that are often used as sweeteners act as purgatives, causing cramps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

1. It affects your brain

Good: Surprisingly, chewing gum has super anti-stress powers and improves mood.

Chewing these things lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and just chewing is relaxing for most people. Dispel anxiety and fatigue and elevate our mood during the day.

Bad: But the constant pressure on the jaw increases the number and frequency of migraines and tension headaches.

At worst, it can lead to chronic headaches. So if you are already predisposed to migraines, it is best to avoid gum completely.

Do you like to chew gum? Have you noticed any changes in your body with this?