Whether you chew gum regularly or not, there are several reasons to think twice about it. Besides the obvious, too much gum can cause cavities and headaches. If you have jaw problems, you should avoid sugar-free gum. Also, it can contribute to irritable bowel syndrome.
Tempromandibular disorders
Tempromandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints and muscles. They cause pain and may interfere with chewing and talking. They also contribute to 17.8 million lost workdays in the United States each year.
The condition occurs when the muscles that control jaw movement become inflamed or injured. It can be chronic or short-lived. In addition, it can occur in conjunction with other medical conditions. The resulting symptoms vary from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some TMDs are characterized by a clicking or popping sound in the jaw.
It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of TMDs to make an accurate diagnosis. If left untreated, the symptoms can worsen. Treatments include a combination of self-help measures and doctor-directed oral appliance therapy.
During an examination, a physician will perform a physical exam to assess the patient’s condition. The physician will feel for tenderness and listen for sounds. The patient may also undergo imaging tests to look at the condition.
TMDs are most common in women. In fact, women between the ages of 35 and 50 have a greater incidence of the disorder than men. However, TMDs are also found in children.
A patient may have TMDs because of a medical condition, or because of an injury or other trauma to the jaw. Other causes of TMDs include rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, and osteoarthritis. These diseases cause inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.
TMDs are treated with conservative measures, including limiting the amount of stress on the temporomandibular joints. Chewing slowly and eating softer foods can reduce stress on the muscles. Additionally, keeping the upper and lower teeth apart can break the habit of clenching the teeth.
Too much gum can cause cavities
Using gum to stimulate saliva production in the mouth is a good idea, but too much gum can lead to cavities and other problems. In fact, a 2010 study found that chewing gum sweetened with artificial sweeteners could contribute to tooth decay.
However, chewing sugar-free gum can help you maintain a healthy smile. This type of gum contains xylitol, an ingredient that raises the pH of the mouth and prevents the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
If you must chew gum, make sure it’s sugar-free and contains no additives that could harm your dental health. You should also drink plenty of water while chewing, and brush your teeth after every meal.
You should also brush your teeth before bed, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. These steps will keep your mouth healthy, and you won’t have to worry about cavities.
The most efficient way to keep your teeth clean is to avoid snacking on foods that get stuck in your teeth. This can cause acid to build up on your teeth, destroying the enamel and leaving them vulnerable to chipping and fracturing.
It’s also a good idea to brush your teeth before you go to sleep, and to floss every day. You should also consider getting a bi-annual dental check-up. These visits will keep your mouth healthy and prevent alignment issues.
The ADA seal of approval is a good indicator that a gum has passed the testing of being safe and effective. Those with TMD and other jaw problems should avoid chewing gum. They should also use an antibacterial mouthwash and brush their teeth at least twice a day.
The other thing to remember is that gum can cause stomach upsets if you swallow too much of it. That’s why you should only chew a piece of gum every few hours.
Too much gum can cause headaches
Several studies have linked gum chewing to headaches, but what actually causes them? Researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Meir Medical Center in Israel have investigated this question.
First, the simplest answer is: no. Using a survey, they divided the patients into four groups: those who had no chewing habits, those who had one to six hours of daily gum chewing, those who had more than six hours of gum chewing a day, and those who were gum chewers. The results showed that all but one group reported significant reductions in headaches, despite not taking any other headache therapies during the study.
Second, the study also looked into whether or not chewing gum could be a trigger for a migraine. According to the authors, the most obvious explanation is that if a person chews gum, the muscles used for chewing will be fatigued, which leads to a stress-induced headache.
Third, the study found that too much gum may increase the risk of chronic headaches in teenagers. This is in addition to the previously established link between excessive gum chewing and TMJ, a jaw joint condition that causes pain when chewing.
Fourth, the researchers found that the link between gum and headaches isn’t as clear-cut as they’d like. The most common migraine-like headaches are likely caused by a variety of factors, including fatigue, stress, and lack of sleep. However, the Israeli researchers say that the best way to find out if gum chewing is a cause is to simply stop.
Among the 30 patients, 19 reported a complete disappearance of their headaches after they stopped chewing. Another 27 reported a slight improvement, while the other 26 returned within two weeks.
Too much gum can cause irritable bowel syndrome
Having irritable bowel syndrome can be a painful experience. People suffering from this condition often feel constipated and experience bloating, gas, and diarrhea. IBS can be controlled by making dietary changes. However, there are also several medications that can be prescribed to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Chewing gum can be harmful to a person with IBS. The artificial sweeteners that are contained in chewing gum can cause intestinal distress. They are known as FODMAPs.
Other foods, such as beans and dairy products, can also cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. It is important to consult with a physician if you are experiencing any abdominal pain or diarrhea. You may need to make dietary changes, including eating smaller portions and avoiding certain GI stimulants.
It is a good idea to record your diet in a food diary. This will help you determine the best combination of food for your body. A registered dietitian can assist you with identifying food groups that can trigger IBS symptoms.
When suffering from IBS, it is important to avoid fried foods and dairy products. These foods can trigger the disease and should be avoided during the active phase of the disease.
Another reason to avoid chewing gum is because it can aggravate migraines. Gum resin can be absorbed into the body and move through the system without being digested. This can result in headaches, toothaches, and other unwanted side effects.
Chewing gum can also cause stomach cramps, abdominal bloating, and swallowed air. The abdominal discomfort is caused by the spasmodic contraction of the muscles in the colon. The stomach will contract in order to pass the stool, but the pelvic muscles will not relax in time to allow the stool to pass.
Avoid sugar-free gum if you have jaw problems
Those with jaw problems should avoid sugar-free gum. This is because gum chewing is hard on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and can exacerbate TMJ disorders. The joint connects the lower jaw to the skull. If it gets irritated, it can cause painful headaches, migraines, and TMD symptoms.
You should also avoid foods that can aggravate your TMD. These include processed carbohydrates, salty foods, and alcohol. It is also important to eat foods rich in vitamin C, soy, and magnesium. These nutrients contribute to your joint health.
You can also take steps to prevent dental erosion. This is a slow process that causes teeth to break down. It’s important to avoid foods that are sour or fruit-flavored. The acids in these foods soften tooth enamel, and can lead to tooth decay.
Another way to reduce your risk of dental erosion is to chew sugar-free gum after meals. This increases the flow of saliva, which neutralizes the acids on your teeth. It also helps strengthen tooth enamel. This can help fight cavities and bad breath.
While sugar-free gum may have some benefits for your dental health, it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. It is still important to have biannual dental exams to keep your mouth healthy.
There are also certain ingredients in sugar-free gum that can be harmful to your teeth. For example, some brands contain animal glycerine and sugar alcohols. You can also be allergic to aspartame, a sweetener found in some sugar-free gums. This allergy can cause hives throughout your body, and can also affect your digestive system.
You should also avoid excessive chewing of gum. It can strain the joints of your jaw and neck. When this occurs, the muscles can tighten, leading to chronic jaw pain and headaches.