While you may have been scolded as a child for chewing gum, perhaps in school or by your orthodontist caring for your braces, you likely have never been taught the surprising benefits of chewing gum.

While sugary bubble gum, candy gum, and any gum, while you have metal braces, should be avoided, sugar-free gum actually has some surprising health benefits. We chew gum in order to keep our mouths entertained, we chew gum out of habit, and we chew gum to freshen up our breath but keep reading to learn about the important reasons you should grab a pack.

Chewing gum can help protect your teeth from decay

Just how chewing gum aids in the production of saliva and helps your body’s natural digestive processes, this production of saliva also helps protect your teeth from decay and cavities. Your saliva has components that help flush out bad bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Since chewing gum helps your mouth produce more saliva, it, therefore, helps your mouth fight cavities.

Chewing gum can help you manage weight

According to a study at Louisiana State University, people who chew gum after lunch present with fewer food cravings afterward throughout the day. The study also showed that the people who chewed gum ate fewer calories on average. While chewing gum may not be a magic answer to losing weight, it can assist you in weight management and making smarter dietary choices.

Chewing gum helps to improve your memory and cognitive performance

Studies have shown that chewing gum helps to increase blood flow to the brain, therefore, increasing the amount of oxygen that flows to the brain. When your brain has efficient levels of oxygen it is able to work more efficiently. Therefore, chewing gum helps to improve your short-term memory and your cognitive performance.

Chewing gum can aid in relieving acid reflux and heartburn by improving digestion

Chewing gum can help improve your digestion as well as aid in acid reflux and heartburn. When you chew gum, it increases the production of saliva in your mouth, which is a vital component for proper digestion-process functioning. When your mouth produces more saliva, it promotes for easier swallowing as well as activates the digestive process by moving along the flow of helpful acids and enzymes. This process, in turn, decreases the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

While chewing gum can be a healthy habit, it is important that you engage in the recommended healthy habits such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups and cleanings to ensure your oral health. If you are looking for a highly recommended Irving dentist, we can help. Our trusted and caring team of dental experts here at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry put your health and comfort first. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.