Chew on This--The Surprising Pros And Cons Of Gum

People have chewed gum for over 9,000 years. Today, more than 1,000 varieties are sold in the U.S..

We reach for gum to curb snack cravings, freshen breath, manage stress, or when brushing isn’t practical.

The Benefits Of Chewing Gum

💥 Gum and Oral Health​
Chewing gum--especially the sugar-free kind--triggers saliva production, which helps neutralize acid in your mouth and protect your teeth. More saliva helps wash away food particles and reduce bad breath.

Gums sweetened with xylitol can reduce cavity-causing bacteria. A 2022 meta-analysis found that chewing xylitol gum 3-5 times a day after meals reduced cavity risk by 17%.

💥 Digestion and Heartburn Relief​
Some people find that chewing gum after meals reduces heartburn symptoms. People who chewed gum for 30 minutes after eating heartburn-inducing foods had lower acid levels in their esophagus.​

💥 Stress Reduction, Improved Mood and Focus​
Feeling foggy or tense? Studies suggest gum chewing can boost alertness, improve focus, and even lift your mood. It may work by increasing blood flow to areas of the brain involved in attention and memory. The rhythmic motion of chewing is like a stress ball for your mouth—something physical to help manage nerves or restlessness.

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Here’s Where Things Get Sticky....

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⚡️Jaw Troubles Gum chewing can exacerbate jaw problems for people prone to TMJ issues or who grind or clench their teeth. It can tire the jaw muscles and lead to clicking, popping, headaches, and facial muscle fatigue. Limiting your gum-chewing sessions to 15–20 minutes can deliver the oral health benefits without the pain.

⚡️Digestive Problems. Vigorous chewing can cause bloating and gas from swallowing excess air. While gum may relieve heartburn in some, it can make it worse for others by relaxing the muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Sugar substitutes frequently found in gums, like sorbitol or xylitol can have a laxative effect.

⚡️Microplastics--Yikes! This one made the news recently. Many gums contain microplastics like polyethylene to give them that stretchy chew. These plastics can be released into your mouth as you chew. We don't know how that affects our health but it's unnerving to me.

Most of these plastics are released from gum within several minutes, so if you’re someone who constantly pops in a fresh piece, consider sticking with one longer to limit exposure.

The Bottom Line

Chewing gum can be great for your teeth and your stress levels, as long as it doesn’t worsen jaw or digestive issues..

If the idea of chewing plastic gives you pause, there are plastic-free gum options out there.

Give them a try and see what you think!