Chewing gum: what effects on health?

THE chewing gumalso called “chewing dough” Or “chewing gum” is a gum to which food flavorings and fragrances are added. It is intended to be chewed and not swallowed. It also presents itself in the form of dragees than tablets. What are the health effects of chewing gum? What about bad breath? What chewing gum for stop smoking ? Is chewing gum good for the digestion ? Does it suppress the appetite? We take stock with our experts.

What is the composition of chewing gum?

There eraser which serves as the basis for chewing gum is a complex product to manufacture: the ingredients are rigorously measured out to obtain more or less elastic gums. The ingredients are mixed between an hour and a half and two hours in a mess similar to that of bakers. Mixing heats the rubber to reach a temperature of 95°C to 98°C. The elastomer used is a food grade isobutylene-isoprene copolymer. We add to this base aromas (eucalyptus, menthol, strawberry…), sweeteners or sugar as well as various additives and manufacturing aids such as colorants, gelatin, emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents, bicarbonate or wax of carnauba.

The ingredients and the gum base are then mixed in a kneader for 15 to 20 minutes. At the end of mixing, the paste reaches a temperature of around 50°C. The chewing paste is then poured inside an extruder. It is then formed into more or less thick strips or dragees which, after cooling, are kept at a precise temperature and humidity for 6 to 48 hours. This phase is very controlled, the quality of chewing gum depends on it. The tablets are wrapped in a plastic bag aluminum to preserve all their flavor as for dragees, they are first covered with hardened sugar before being packed in small cardboard boxes.

What is the effect of chewing gum on bad breath?

“Chewing gum appears to have effects on the concentration of volatile sulfur compoundsresponsible for bad breathexplains Dr. Vidal, dental surgeon. This seems all the more true when the chewing gum contains probiotics of the Lactobaccile typezinc acetate and magnolia bark extracts, eucalyptus extract and allylisothiocyanate with zinc lactate.“

Which chewing gum to quit smoking?

Chewing gums to quit smoking are nicotine substitutes whose principle is to provide nicotine, in order to reduce the feelings of lack. Little by little, the need to smoke decreases until it no longer manifests itself. Like all nicotine substitutes, they exist in different nicotine dosages. Ideally, it will be best to consult a health professional (doctor, midwife, nurse, masseur-physiotherapist) so that he can prescribe the appropriate dosage. In some cases, these substitutes can be reimbursed by social security. These chewing gums come in several flavors (mint, fruit, etc.). In order to be effective be effective, they should not be consumed like conventional chewing gum. They should be sucked on for a few minutes, then chewed slowly for 20-30 minutes, taking breaks during which they are not chewed at all. If they are chewed too quickly, salivation is increased, and hiccups, sore throat, or heartburn may occur; moreover, the nicotine swallowed with the saliva will be destroyed and the gums will not have the desired effect.

Smoking with chewing gum: what effects on the body?

There is no no serious data allowing to decide on the possible danger of chewing gum (without nicotine) while smoking. If in doubt, we can abstain.

Does chewing gum clean teeth?

“A sugar-free chewing gum allows, by increasing the flow of saliva, to protect teeth against cavities, advises Dr. Vidal. This can be useful after a meal away from home. Indeed, the dental surgeon warns: “Chewing gum does not replace dental and interdental brushing.”

Chewing gum can help with constipation.

Is chewing gum good for digestion?

Contrary to popular belief, chewing gum can have positive effects on the digestive systemespecially in case of constipation: “Chewing gum activates intestinal peristalsis (ie the ability of the intestinal muscles to contract to allow transit), explains Dr. Christian Bredin, gastroenterologist. A few studies have shown a beneficial effect on the speed of resumption of transit after surgery or pelvic surgery. We can also suggest the consumption of chewing gum in case of motor constipation (as in hypothyroidism).“ However, chewing gum can also have deleterious effects and be responsible for digestive disorders : “Chewing gums generally contain synthetic sweeteners, which help maintain the taste longer than conventional sugar. They also contain preservatives. These products, such as xylitol (E967), mannitol (E421), sorbitol (E420), or aspartame (E951) tend to exacerbate the risk of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, with bloating, excessive flatulenceand sometimes even diarrhea. We also tend to explain that theexcessive bloating may come from excessive swallowing of saliva, but this notion, although intuitive, is not really proven“, explains our interlocutor.

Does chewing gum suppress appetite?

There is no no studying showing that chewing gum could have an appetite suppressant effect, however, chewing gum can be a relief from the feeling of hunger or suppress an irrepressible urge to eat.

Sugar-free chewing gum: better or not for your health?

THE synthetic sweeteners or mass can help insofar as the sweetening power is higher, the calories are reduced and the effect on blood sugar is moderate or nil – which is interesting, for example for diabetics. However, they can have side effects like gastrointestinal upset and fuel sugar cravings. What about oral health? “Chewing sugar-free gum may have oral health benefits, allowing a decrease in enamel demineralizationin decreasing the incidence of cavities, by neutralizing the acidity of dental plaque, by reducing dental plaqueexplains Dr. Vidal. This also helps to fight against dry mouth (aka xerostomia). These qualities are mainly related to increased saliva flowand require a certain regularity: chew 3 times a day, for 20 minutes, after meals. These qualities of chewing gum are particularly effective with the presence of fluorides or xylitol in the chewing gum.“

Can we give chewing gum to children?

Chewing gum is not recommended for children under certain conditions to be consumed in moderation, whether they contain sugar or not. This is because children are more prone to gastrointestinal upset caused by sweeteners in sugar-free chewing gum than adults. There are cases where chewing gum is even recommended for children, such as vector for taking medicine (fluoride, xylitol, of course, but also anesthetic premedications for example). And chewing, chewing gum is on the other hand offered after appendectomy For recover intestinal digestive functions faster.

When should you avoid chewing gum?

It is recommended to avoid chewing gum when suffering from gastrointestinal disorders such as reflux or aerophagia. They should also be avoided in case of facial paralysis and any other condition where heavy chewing is not recommended.

What are the dangers of chewing gum?

Contrary to urban legend, there is no consequences of swallowing them. With digestive juices and body heat, it will fragment and be evacuated in the stool. “At the same time, it seems reasonable to me to advise against systematically swallowing one’s chewing gum“says Dr. Bredin.

Thank you to doctors Cyril Vidal, dental surgeon and Christian Bredin, gastroenterologist.