Chewing gum may be small in size, but its powers are far greater. Its health benefits positively affect both the physical body and mental state. This might be why people in Northern Europe were chewing birch bark tar 9,000 years ago—and the same was true across other continents. People have been chewing since ancient times. The benefits of chewing gum still apply today, although many have forgotten them. Just like many other things from the past, when we relied more on our instincts, intuition and feelings than on scientific data or Google. But that is changing. We’re returning to nature—and that return is becoming more significant.
Definition of Chewing Gum | Myths about Chewing Gum | Types of Chewing Gum | Healthy Chewing Gum | Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing Gum and Its History
Chewing gum consists of small pieces of synthetic or natural rubber, infused with various flavors, shapes, textures, and fillings. It has a long history spanning over 9,000 years—at least as far as we know. Its golden era came in the 19th century with the production of the first commercial chewing gum and the world’s first chewing gum factory. The USA was the cradle of modern chewing gum, setting trends that continue today. But chewing took place on nearly every populated continent.
Definition of Chewing Gum
There are many definitions of chewing gum. For me, chewing gum is a sweet delight that can immediately uplift both the body and the spirit. Everyone has their favorite flavor, and unless you’ve been swayed by misinformation, you’re likely chewing from childhood well into old age. Since many older adults avoid chewing gum, let’s uncover some of the most common and misleading myths.
Myths about Chewing Gum
1) Chewing Gum Pulls Out Fillings
It’s often said that chewing gum can pull out dental fillings and damage teeth. This simply isn’t true. If your dentist placed your filling correctly, chewing gum won’t affect it. The materials and adhesives used are much stronger than the pressure applied by chewing. If, by chance, a filling does come out while chewing, it likely would have come loose anyway—gum just revealed an underlying problem like trapped air or weak bonding.
If you choose your gum wisely, it can actually protect your teeth (dental hygiene)—just look for sugar-free gum with xylitol.
2) Swallowing Gum Is Dangerous
People are also warned that swallowing gum is dangerous and that it won’t pass through the digestive system. Another myth. Neither you nor your children are in danger if gum is swallowed. It will travel through your system and eventually leave the body without harm.
3) Chewing Gum Is Toxic
In recent years, chewing gum has often been labeled as a “toxic” treat. While there is some truth to this—commercially available chewing gums do contain a number of controversial additives—we should approach the topic with balance. Like most food products, there are both healthier and less healthy options. It’s easy to criticize, but offering solutions is the real challenge.
For example, in supermarkets you might find popsicles loaded with artificial additives and preservatives, but right next to them are popsicles made from five simple, natural ingredients. The same logic applies to chewing gum. You have a choice: go for the healthy ones or stick with the common brands. It’s not accurate to say that all gums are toxic—there are also plastic-free gums with a natural gum base, no preservatives, colorants, or artificial sweeteners. Everyone can find a gum that suits them.
Types of Chewing Gum
We can divide chewing gum into many types, but today the main distinction comes down to ingredients. If you chew gum only occasionally, it doesn’t really matter which type. But if you chew frequently or want to gain the full benefits, it’s worth understanding your options.
During World War II, manufacturers had to switch from natural to synthetic materials due to unstable supply. The result? A synthetic gum base that was more durable and long-lasting—but far from natural. Most commercial gums still use this synthetic (plastic) base today. When you throw such gum on the street, you’re littering with plastic that will stay there for years. It’s best to dispose of gum in the bin, preferably wrapped in paper to avoid mess.
Those who chew regularly should reduce sugar-sweetened gum and instead choose sugar-free alternatives. Look for gums free from controversial additives and plastics. Be cautious of vague terms like “gum base” on labels—this often means synthetic plastic is involved. The healthiest option is gum with a natural gum base.
Healthy Chewing Gum without Controversial Additives
If you want to chew without controversial additives, start reading labels—check the packaging. Maybe you’ve never done it before. That’s okay. You can start now.
There are two main options:
- Buy gum with a synthetic base, sweetened with natural xylitol, and free from aspartame, acesulfame K, titanium dioxide, BHA and BHT, and artificial colorants
- Or choose fully natural gums with xylitol and a natural gum base. Or just stick to mainstream chewing gum. The choice is yours—and that’s the beauty of it, don’t you think?
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum may be small, but it delivers a lot. Maybe that’s why humans have chewed substances throughout history—and still do. To keep it brief, here’s a summary of the main benefits. For more detail, explore our blog’s chewing benefits.
- Reduces plaque and oral acidity—especially sugar-free gums with xylitol
- Boosts saliva production, helping clean teeth naturally
- Combats dry mouth, lowering risk of oral diseases
- Helps reduce stress and mild depression
- Burns calories and curbs appetite—especially effective as a diet aid
- Can replace sugar cravings with a healthier option
- Improves focus and memory
- Freshens breath—perfect after meals or before a meeting