Chewing gums have become a part of our daily lives. But do we know the benefits and disadvantages of chewing gums? Not really.

Advantages-

• Improves Oral health- it helps in reducing cavity, cleaning plaque, whitens teeth and to freshen the breath.
• Improves memory- psychologists say that the continuous moving of jaw increases the heart rate and increases oxygen supply to brain which enhances our cognitive powers.
• Reduces stress- it reduces tension and helps to release nervous energy.
• Helps manage weight- few scientists say it reduces craving for high calorie snack and burns 11 calories per hour.
• Reduces heart burn-gum produces more saliva which is alkaline in nature and neutralizes acid in esophagus.

Disadvantages-

• Tooth decay-chewing gums that contain high amount of sugar can cause decay.
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) - continuous and prolonged chewing of gums can cause pain in the jaws, neck, facial muscles and back as well.
• Wrinkles on face-continuous chewing of gums can reduce the elasticity of skin and result in wrinkles.
• Increase gastritis-chewing gums contain powerful gastric juice. When chewed on an empty stomach, it aggravates gastritis and other stomach problems.
• Ingredients-the ingredients like aspartame and other sweeteners are known carcinogens which are cancer causing agents.

Interesting facts-

• The first chewing gum is considered to be around 9,000 years old.
• Earlier, most gums were handmade; today gums are manufactured using machines.
• Humans are the only animals on earth who can chew gum.
• Chewing gum while peeling onions will prevent you from crying.
• In 1944, in Philadelphia, a man lost several of his teeth when a piece of gum exploded in his mouth.
• If you swallow a gum, it would not create any major health problem and would be out of your body in 72hrs. But care should be taken to avoid it.

Chewing gum has its pros and cons. To know more, consult a dentist.