How long should you chew gum before spitting it out?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Chao
Introduction
Chewing gum should generally be discarded after 10 minutes of chewing. The main ingredients of chewing gum include sweeteners, syrup, and natural gums. Chewing gum in the mouth can help freshen breath and reduce factors that cause tooth decay. However, chewing gum should typically be spit out after about 10 minutes. As the gum is continuously chewed, its components gradually diminish.
Sugar-free gum should generally be discarded after 10 minutes of chewing. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The main ingredients of chewing gum include sweeteners, syrup, natural gums, etc. Chewing gum in the mouth can help freshen breath and reduce factors that cause tooth decay. However, gum should typically be spit out after about 10 minutes. As gum is continuously chewed, its flavor components gradually dissipate, while the proportion of natural gum base increases. At this point, the gum becomes harder, making it easier for bacteria adhering to its surface to detach and reattach to the oral mucosa, which may negatively affect oral health. Therefore, attention should be paid to chewing duration. Additionally, frequently chewing large amounts of gum may lead to deformities in one side of the jawbone, affecting facial symmetry. Individuals with high blood sugar levels should also limit gum consumption to avoid prolonged elevation of blood glucose due to its sugar content.
It is recommended to consume chewing gum in moderation during daily life and avoid developing a dependency on it. If bad breath persists, the underlying medical cause should be identified and treated accordingly.
