Myth: Chewing gum is harmful

Every moment we do can impact our health and well-being. Even such an everyday habit as chewing gum has its consequences. Chewing gum typically contains synthetic polymers, flavorings, and sugar substitutes.

One of the benefits of chewing gum is that it stimulates salivation. This can be beneficial for gastrointestinal health, as the increased amount of saliva helps balance the acidity in the esophagus, preventing possible cases of heartburn. However, it is important to remember that the effectiveness of this depends on when you chew the gum. Chewing it after eating is much more beneficial than on an empty stomach.

If it is not possible to maintain good oral hygiene, chewing sugar-free gum can be a temporary solution to help remove food debris and freshen breath.

However, it is important to understand that chewing gum does not replace proper dental care. Regular brushing and flossing remain key to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

Here are some more unexpected benefits of chewing gum:

• Helps combat motion sickness during travel and morning sickness during pregnancy. Chewing gum can help stabilize the vestibular system, relieving discomfort.
• Increases blood flow to the brain. Research shows that chewing gum can improve short-term memory by increasing blood flow to the brain.
• Helps against drowsiness. Mint-flavored chewing gum is considered one of the most effective remedies against daytime sleepiness, helping you stay alert and focused throughout the day.

Myth: Swallowed chewing gum remains in the stomach for up to 7 years and is not digested

What happens if you swallow chewing gum? This question worries many, especially parents, since children most often accidentally swallow chewing gum. In fact, most chewing gum consists of inert ingredients that are not digested in the stomach.

They pass through the digestive system without harming the body. However, in rare cases, large amounts of chewing gum may cause minor digestive problems. Therefore, it is important to make sure that children do not swallow chewing gum and monitor the amount to avoid possible problems.

If you or your child occasionally swallows gum, it will not cause any health problems.

Since we cannot chew and grind gum in our mouths, it is not digested like regular food and does not break down into pieces. As a result, it remains in the intestines in the same condition as it was in the esophagus.

Swallowing gum can be a problem, especially if it happens in large quantities or with other small objects, especially if the body is weakened. Some studies indicate that swallowing gum for a long time can interfere with the body’s normal functioning.

Chewing gum is good for you, but it’s important to remember not to swallow it!