Do you chew gum to relieve bad breath? Or do you chew it as a stress reliever or to overcome food cravings? Whatever the reason you’re chewing gum, you may not be doing your body any favors by doing so. Take a look at some negative side effects, that we recently learned, of chewing gum on a normal or excessive basis.

1. It May Increase Your Junk Food Intake:

   Do you ever chew gum when you have food cravings? In theory, this is a good idea. However, research has shown that people who chew gum regularly actually eat less nutritious meals in general. According to Mercola:

   For instance, people who chewed gum were less likely to eat fruit and instead were more motivated to eat junk food like potato chips and candy. This is likely because the minty flavor in the gum makes fruits and vegetables taste bitter.

2. It Can Lead to Tooth Damage:

   You know, of course, then when you chew sugary gum, you’re literally bathing your teeth in sugar and opening the door to tooth decay. But even if you’re chewing sugar-free gum, you can cause tooth damage. Sugar-free gum often contains acidic flavorings that can lead to dental erosion (which can, over time, dissolve your teeth. Gross, right?)
3. It Can Release Mercury from Your Fillings:

   If you have mercury fillings, chewing gum can actually be dangerous. According to Mercola:

   Every time you chew, mercury vapor is released and quickly finds its way into your bloodstream, where it causes oxidative processes in your tissues. If you chew gum, you’re going to be chewing often, which is why it’s particularly problematic for those with mercury fillings.

4. It Can Cause Gastrointestinal Problems:

   Chewing gum causes you to swallow excess air, which can cause abdominal pain and bloating. Also, when you chew gum, you send a signal to your body that it’s time to digest food. But without any food to digest, you end up with an overproduction of stomach acid. This can also cause bloating.
5. It Can Trigger TMJ:

   Chewing gum can cause a jaw muscle imbalance if you chew on one side more than the other. It can also cause a painful and chronic condition known as TMJ (or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder).

For thoughts on what to use instead of gum, head on over to Mercola and check out some of their smart ideas!