The practice of chewing gum has been around for centuries. Unlike gum brands in the modern age wrapped in colorful packages and massively sold in marts, our ancestors use zap or rubbery substances sourced naturally from a tree. Today’s gums are packed with unique tastes. They add flavorings and sweeteners to give a more exciting gum-chewing experience. So, are there benefits of chewing gum for health? Are contemporary gums safe to chew? What considerations should we take into to obtain the most benefits of chewing gum? Our dental clinic in Bali, Prime Plus, is here to serve you with the answers you need.
The Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is indeed enjoyable, but did you know the effects it gives to your health? Turns out, there are plenty (if done right) which include:
Chewing Gum Can Prevent Cavities
As much as you love candy-like gums with a sweet taste, there is nothing better than sugar-free gum. Sugar cancels out the benefits of chewing gum for your health. According to the American Dental Association, when you chew your gum around twenty minutes post-meal, this activity triggers the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva washes away the acid and bacteria on your teeth. In return, tooth decay can be neutralized and avoided. Saliva prevents your mouth dry and lessens your teeth’s sensitivity.
Don’t let your tooth decay go really bad until you seek dental treatment. Prime Plus is your trusted dental clinic in Bali. From professional regular dental check-ups to cosmetic dentistry in Bali, Prime Plus has got you covered. Contact us at+6281237387131 to book an appointment.
Relieving Symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Are you surprised to know that the benefits of chewing gum not only do wonders for your mouth but also your esophagus? People with GERD often experience a flow of stomach acid going up to their throat through the esophagus. As the production of saliva is increased in your mouth from chewing gum, it keeps the acid balance in your esophagus thus letting the acids back to the stomach. However, keep in mind that gum is not the cure for your GERD. You still need to find medical intervention, in this regard.
Keep You Focused for a Longer Amount of Time
A study published in the British Journal of Psychology reports that chewing gum can help you stay alert on a short-term memory recall task. Two groups were involved in this study; one group chewed gum, the other did not. It turns out that participants in their study who chewed gum were able to show accuracy from the beginning of the task until the end. The group who did not chew gum performed better at first but was overtaken, eventually. The result shows that chewing gums does keep you focused for a longer time.
Reduce Stress
There are several studies that have researched the benefits of chewing gum, especially in the case of reducing stress. Swinburne University found out that chewing gum can help reduce cortisol levels, relieve anxiety and stress in people who are under pressure by multitasking. Another study discovered that chewing gum can promote better blood flow in the brain so they can remain calm in a frantic situation.
Improve The Muscles in Your Tongue and Cheeks
Healthline provides information on how people presume how chewing gum can improve the appearance of their jawline, which is not true. Moreover, there are very few scientific researches to support the claim. The act of chewing and mewing may exercise your facial muscles but it only affects the muscles in your tongue and cheeks, not giving definition to the jawline. As your tongue and cheeks increased in muscles, it will ease up the swallowing and feeding process.
Instead of targeting fat loss on your face by chewing gum, you can always rely on a personalized diet and follow a workout plan arranged for your needs. Furthermore, you might want to prevent yourself from excessive gum chewing since it might cause tightness and injury around your facial muscles and jaw clicking.
Those are the benefits of chewing gum for your health. Chewing gum is considered safe in moderation. Remember, if you have to pick gum at the store, make sure to choose the sugar-free one that contains Xylitol. Lastly, don’t forget to check out other articles by Prime Plus Medical Clinic in Bali; we also have one about 5 Foods You Should Avoid if You Have Sensitive Teeth.
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