No one wants bad breath, but loading up on gum has its negative effects, too. If you’re going through a half a pack or full pack of gum a day, you may want to start cutting back. Here’s why:
– Most gum is sweetened with sorbitol or other artificial sweeteners, which have their own list of harmful effects, including a laxative effects. This can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating – the last symptoms you want when you’re about to strip down to your swimsuit!
– If it’s not sweetened with sorbitol, it’s sweetened with regular sugar. This is fine if you’re only chewing a piece or two a day, but add up all that sugar over the course of the day and you could be looking at an additional 20 grams of sugar.
– Too much chewing can lead to unnecessary wear and tear of the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber in your jaw joints. If your jaw has ever hurt because of chewing too much gum, it’s time to cut back. This can lead to permanent damage over the years.
Instead of treating bad breath with gum, take preventative measures! Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash in the morning – and maybe after that morning cup of coffee, too – and eat for prevention. Consuming half a cup of plain, sugar-free yogurt twice a day can lower mouth levels of hydrogen sulfide. Top it off with berries (or melons, oranges, and other fruits high in vitamin C) which will also help get rid of stinky mouth bacteria.
