Effects on health
Stomach acid
The consumption of chewing gum is discouraged by some doctors, because chewing it too frequently has been said to increase the production of stomach acid to abnormal levels over a long period of time.[citation needed]
Dental health
Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque by starving microorganisms in the mouth. The same effect has not been shown for the sweetener sorbitol. The addition of calcium lactate has been shown to increase recalcification. Gum chewing can have a negative effect on oral health, because it can degrade the enamel on teeth. However, this is only if it is sugary gum.
Stomach acid
The consumption of chewing gum is discouraged by some doctors, because chewing it too frequently has been said to increase the production of stomach acid to abnormal levels over a long period of time.[citation needed]
Dental health
Sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol has been shown to reduce cavities and plaque by starving microorganisms in the mouth. The same effect has not been shown for the sweetener sorbitol. The addition of calcium lactate has been shown to increase recalcification. Gum chewing can have a negative effect on oral health, because it can degrade the enamel on teeth. However, this is only if it is sugary gum.
Possible carcinogens
Concern has arisen about the possible carcinogenicity of the vinyl acetate (acetic acid ethenyl ester) used by some manufacturers in their gum bases. The Canadian government has classified the ingredient as a "potentially high hazard substance."[5] Currently the ingredient can be hidden in the catch-all term "gum base".
Concern has arisen about the possible carcinogenicity of the vinyl acetate (acetic acid ethenyl ester) used by some manufacturers in their gum bases. The Canadian government has classified the ingredient as a "potentially high hazard substance."[5] Currently the ingredient can be hidden in the catch-all term "gum base".
Swallowed gum
One old wives' tale says that swallowed gum will remain in a human's stomach for up to seven years, as it is not digestable. According to several medical opinions, there seems to be little truth behind the tale. In most cases, swallowed gum will pass through the system as fast as any other food, but can be a little slower.[6] There have been a few cases where swallowing gum has required medical attention, but these cases are more or less related to chronic gum swallowers. One young boy swallowed several pieces each day and had to be hospitalized,[7] and another little girl required medical attention when she swallowed her gum and four coins, which got stuck together in her esophagus.[6] As long as the mass of gum is small enough to pass out of the stomach, it will likely pass out of the body easily.
Bans on chewing gum
Many schools do not allow chewing gum because students often dispose of it by sticking it to desks, chairs, floors, or similar flat surfaces. In addition, gum chewing sometimes makes an audible smacking noise, which is often quite loud in a quiet classroom.
In Singapore, there is a country-wide ban of most types of chewing gum.
Dissolution
Gum is fat soluble, so many fatty substances, such as chocolate or peanut butter, can cause it to dissolve or break apart.
One old wives' tale says that swallowed gum will remain in a human's stomach for up to seven years, as it is not digestable. According to several medical opinions, there seems to be little truth behind the tale. In most cases, swallowed gum will pass through the system as fast as any other food, but can be a little slower.[6] There have been a few cases where swallowing gum has required medical attention, but these cases are more or less related to chronic gum swallowers. One young boy swallowed several pieces each day and had to be hospitalized,[7] and another little girl required medical attention when she swallowed her gum and four coins, which got stuck together in her esophagus.[6] As long as the mass of gum is small enough to pass out of the stomach, it will likely pass out of the body easily.
Bans on chewing gum
Many schools do not allow chewing gum because students often dispose of it by sticking it to desks, chairs, floors, or similar flat surfaces. In addition, gum chewing sometimes makes an audible smacking noise, which is often quite loud in a quiet classroom.
In Singapore, there is a country-wide ban of most types of chewing gum.
Dissolution
Gum is fat soluble, so many fatty substances, such as chocolate or peanut butter, can cause it to dissolve or break apart.
