Here are 11 surprising benefits of Chewing Gums:
1. Improves Breath
It seems the key to picking the best breath-freshening gums is to find those with flavors, most of which come from plant oils, that fight bacteria and don't just mask odour.
2. Improves Concentration and Memory
Multiple studies have shown that chewing gum boosts mental performance. Cognitive functions, like concentration, memory, and reaction times, were seen to improve. Chewing a gum increases oxygen to the brain, which helps to enhance memory and other cognitive functions.
3. Improves Wakefulness
The chewing movement of the jaw is thought to stimulate nerves and parts of the brain associated with arousal, in addition to increasing blood flow.
4. Combats Stress and Anxiety
Apparently chomping on some gum can be a great substitute for nervous habits, like nail biting and leg shaking, when feeling stressed.
5. Protects Teeth
The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals, since it's been proven to reduce plaque, promote tooth enamel, reduce cavities, and reduce gingivitis. The reason has to do with increasing saliva flow, which reduces acid on your teeth that causes decay.
6. Reduces Acid Reflux and Heartburn
For some people battling acid reflux and heartburn, chewing gum after meals may help reduce acid in the esophagus. Increased saliva production is again to thank for this, as is increased swallowing, which clears the acid more quickly. It's wise to avoid peppermint and spearmint flavors, however, which can up acid levels and make heartburn worse.
7. Improves Eating Habits
Studies show that chewing gum can help ward off some food cravings and make you consume less. The biggest benefit comes from those who reach for a stick of gum instead of reaching for a caloric sweet snack between meals.
8. Helps Cigarette Smokers Quit
Products, such as Nicorette gum, aim to help. The gum, which delivers a controlled amount of nicotine to your system, attempts to reduce your cravings. In addition, chewing gum can help moderate the oral cravings of cigarettes, too.
9. Relieves Dry Mouth
It's been noted that chewing sugarless gum stimulates saliva up to 10 times the resting rate. This is a huge help in reversing oral dryness and the discomfort and problems associated with dry mouth.
10. Relieves Ear Pain During Flights
Having ear pain due to air pressure changes during takeoff and landing on a flight is no fun. It's long been known that there are a number of ways to stop your ears from popping, including yawning, pinching your nose, or even giving little ones a bottle. But, the easiest way may just be to chew on some gum. This helps produce saliva so you swallow more, which can help equalise the pressure in your ears.
11. Fights Nausea
For natural relief against nausea from morning sickness or motion sickness, try safe herbal gums, like Sea-Band Ginger Gum. The ginger and saliva production helps to sooth acid and stomach irritability.