When looking around the pavements of Britain’s cities and towns (not to mention railings and, in worst cases, under tables) it can be easy to wonder how and why chewing gum ever made it onto our shelves. It makes a mess, sticks like glue, offers no nutritional benefits and makes us feel hungrier.
But are its characteristics all bad? Not according to research, which has highlighted a positively glowing report on behalf of our beloved snack.
According to a report in The Guardian, chewing gum has the ability to aid concentration while fighting off tooth decay and inducing relaxation. And think the white sticks might be bad for your teeth? Think again. An industry manufacturer sponsors The British Dental Association while the American Dental Association has given chewing gum the thumbs up, claiming that chewing gum after meals for about 20 minutes can help keep tooth decay at bay.
We are a nation of chewing gum lovers, with the average Brit eating between 120-130 pieces every year and we are the globe’s second biggest gum consumers. And with sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol providing the saccharine taste, sugar-free gum is far less calorific, while the European Commission gave the go head for xylitol to be publicly named as ‘tooth friendly’.
But before you reach for the gum at the next counter you come across, do bear in mind there is always another side to every story.
While your teeth may fare well with a little chewy treat after meals, your jaw might take the strain. Over-exerting your chewing mechanism may affect the cartilage and highlight any problems in that area that might exist. Then there is the argument put forward by the British Dental Journal to consider, which suggests ingredients found in sugar-free gum might actually be acidic, thus eroding teeth themselves.
If you’re still undecided, while the officials agree on the facts, you could stick to the good old fashioned trick of brushing your teeth twice a day, just to be on the safe side.