What dangers are fraught with... chewing gum?

Chewing gum is a product that has been popular for decades. It has become an integral part of many people's daily lives, especially after meals or while working. But few people think about the dangers this habit may pose.

Advertising everywhere has taught us to put chewing gum in our mouths every time we eat. Many people consider this habit to be safe, but this is far from true. People turn to doctors with various problems associated with the use of chewing gum. Some of these problems can even become serious illnesses.

For example, doctors describe cases where people consumed large quantities of chewing gum containing sorbitol, a sugar substitute that has a laxative effect. One piece of chewing gum contains about 1.25 grams of sorbitol, and a person who consumes 3-4 packs of chewing gum per day receives 18-20 grams of this substance. This can lead to diarrhea, cramping and other gastrointestinal problems.

Chewing gum may also contain other laxatives, such as xylitol, maltitol, mannitol and others. For some people, just 5-10 grams of these substances per day are enough to cause diarrhea.

However, chewing gum not only weakens, but also strengthens. Several years ago, the journal Pediatrics described cases of chewing gum “poisoning” in children. Some of them suffered from untreatable constipation due to the formation of huge conglomerates of chewing gum in their intestines.

In addition, chewing gum may contain harmful chemicals such as natural and artificial flavors and colors, including titanium dioxide, which was previously only allowed in cosmetics, soaps and building materials. Some of these substances may have harmful effects on health and cause allergic reactions.

In addition, chewing gum can lead to dental and oral problems. Chewing gum contains sweeteners, which can cause tooth decay and other dental health problems.

Thus, chewing gum can lead to various health problems, ranging from minor to serious illnesses. Therefore, before you pull a pack of gum out of your pocket, it is worth thinking about what consequences this habit may have. If you need to freshen your breath after eating, it is better to simply rinse your mouth with water or use a non-alcoholic breath freshener. If you like to chew, you can try sugar-free chewing gum, which will not contain substances harmful to health. But in any case, you should not abuse chewing gum and should follow moderation.