Doctors talked about the benefits and harms of chewing gum for health

Experts explained how chewing gum affects the condition of teeth and cognitive functions of the brain, and also named the rules for its use. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Hygiene rules

Natalya Akhremochkina, dental hygienist at the Attribute clinic, noted that sugar-free chewing gum is useful only as an addition to basic hygiene. It increases salivation, helping to neutralize acids and wash away food residues. The optimal time of use is 10-15 minutes after eating, as prolonged chewing overloads the jaw muscles and joints.

Chewing gum is not a substitute for full-fledged brushing and paste, as it does not remove plaque. At the same time, chewing gum with sugar can be harmful, provoking the development of caries. Akhremochkina stressed that teeth should be brushed twice a day, and chewing gum should be used only as a temporary measure when there is no access to a brush.

The effect of chewing gum on the brain

Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist and expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, explained that the process of chewing activates the sensorimotor networks of the brain and increases blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. This can temporarily improve attention and planning. Neuroimaging studies record an increase in blood oxygen levels, but these changes are short-lived and take place immediately after stopping chewing.

Using chewing gum can help you focus on routine tasks or cope with drowsiness during monotonous work. Nevertheless, it does not replace proper rest and quality sleep. For complex tasks that require short-term memory, chewing can even distract from the process.

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Contraindications and risks

Experts have warned about possible side effects when abusing the product. Frequent chewing can cause tension headaches due to overwork of the masticatory muscles. There is also a risk of developing temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which is manifested by pain or clicks when opening the mouth.

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Chewing gum is not recommended for people with bruxism, abnormal tooth wear and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Ingredients of the composition, such as sorbitol or xylitol, in large quantities can cause diarrhea and bloating. In addition, chewing gum should be excluded for children with braces in order to avoid damage to orthodontic structures.