Chewing gum as a confectionery product provides a good taste over a prolonged period of time and provides a number of benefits, including breath freshening, dental benefits, fortification by addition of minerals and vitamins and tooth whitening. It also aids concentration, eases stress, reduces dry mouth, provides a low-calorie snack and helps in smoking cessation.
Freshens Breath
Chewing gum moistens and refreshes the mouth and throat and sweetens the breath.
Helps Fight Tooth Decay
Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acids from foods that may cause tooth decay.
Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to stimulate the production of saliva by up to ten times the normal unstimulated rate. Saliva neutralises plaque acid in the mouth and helps reduce the risk of dental caries by up to 40%1. The stimulated saliva also helps repair early dental lesions through remineralisation of the tooth’s surface. Dental professionals recommend sugar-free gum as an aid to oral health and to prevent tooth decay.
A UK study by the University of York Health Economics Consortium investigating the economic impact of chewing sugarfree gum concluded that if the entire British population chewed sugarfree gum, the National Health Service (NHS) could save over £100 million per year on dental care1.
Convenient Way of Taking Vitamins and Minerals
Fortified gum provides a convenient way of taking vitamins and minerals.
Tooth Whitening
Certain chewing gums have demonstrated their ability to whiten teeth and to prevent stains from forming.
Improves Concentration
The repetitive act of chewing gum increases the heart rate and aids concentration. A recent study found that the enhancement of memory performance whilst chewing gum is a fairly robust phenomenon2.
Eases Tension
As early as 1939, scientific studies showed how chewing reduces muscular tension and helps people feel more at ease. Because it is so well-recognized for helping stay alert at the same time it eases tension, the U.S. Armed Forces have supplied chewing gum to its soldiers ever since World War I. It is still included in field and combat rations today.
Relief for Sufferers of Xerostomia
Sugar-free gum provides relief for most sufferers of dry mouth (Xerostomia). This condition can be caused by prescription drugs amongst other things. Chewing gum, which stimulates saliva production, can dramatically alleviate the uncomfortable effects of this condition.
Provides Low-Calorie Snack
Chewing gum often satisfies the desire for a between-meals snack, yet each stick averages less than 10 calories, and pellet gums less than 5 calories.
Helps in Smoking Cessation
Chewing gum provides assistance to those who are trying to give up smoking.