Know the myths and truths of gum

The idea that gum is mania of child is more than surpassed. The adults are so fans of the chewing gum as small. The fact is that the food industry has been dedicated to creating products increasingly full of requirements which fit into the demands of great people, such as sugar-free gum and gum that promises to whiten teeth, but without leaving aside the colored versions, stuffed and more varied formats for the kids. The gum was always considered the villain of the mouth to cause tooth decay and seen as a delicacy that hinders the diet. But he doesn’t bring any benefit to the regime and for the oral health? The nutritionist from MinhaVida, Roberta Stella, and the dentist Sydney Leonard Goldmann help to clarify the myths and truths related to habit.

The chewing gum are quite harmful to the diet
Myth. The chewing gum, even those containing sugar, are not very calorific and even help fool the hunger. Of course the gum with fillings should be avoided, because they are more calorie. A unit of gum stuffed presents, on average, 15 calories. Two units of this gum add 1 point in the list of diet of points (from a program using points instead of calories to guide the daily consumption of foods). While a sugar-free gum introduces 2.5 calories per unit, being needed 9 units to earn 1 point. “If the chewing gum habit for many a day, the best option is the gum without sugar not to accumulate points or calories to the diet,” says Roberta Stella.

The gum can cause stomach pain
Truth. If the gum is chewed inasmuch as several times a day and the person is there are many hours without feeding, will stimulate the production of stomach gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid. The substance will act directly on the wall of the stomach may cause pain. This way, you should avoid chewing many units of gum per day.

Every type of gum causes tooth decay
Myth. The sugar present in the gum is the major cause of tooth decay. Therefore, the diet versions and light can stay out of that list. However, some dyes and preservatives of composition of gum can be made from starch and carbohydrate, which will turn into sugar and are also harmful to teeth. “Choose to versions without sugar and colorless, which are the most secure,” says Goldmann. Another point is that some chewing gum, depending on its composition, may leave the pH of the mouth very acidic and cause tooth decay.

The gum can be beneficial for oral hygiene
Truth. The mechanics of chewing gum and the friction of goma with the teeth causes a surface cleaning of the teeth. How much thicker it is, the better the result. “But the gum does not replace the toothbrush and floss and neither has the power to remove the plaque or prevent the formation of it,” explains the dentist.

The gum alleviates bad breath
Truth. With superficial cleanup that the gum provides, the breath is favored since the renewal of the cells in the mouth. But it is a momentary action. And is not for everyone. Those who suffer with dental problems such as caries, periodontitis or restore damaged, can stay with the smelly accented with the use of gum. Incidentally, this is the indication that there is a problem.

Gum helps to whiten teeth
Myth. Even the versions that promise this benefit contain very low concentrations of peroxide (substance feet) to provide some bleaching. In addition, it cannot be used in high concentrations in goma for being a toxic product. “The peroxide can burn the gum. Therefore, only a dentist must handle the substance, avoiding the risks, “explains Goldmann.

The gum is indicated for certain oral treatments
Truth. In some cases, the gum is recommended with action of physiotherapy. When there is inflammation of the muscles or limited opening of the mouth (trismus muscle), the use of goma is beneficial to minimize the swelling, strengthen the musculature buccal and recover the movements of the jaw.