What are the benefits of chewing gum?
• Chewing gum can double saliva flow, which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth that erodes enamel after eating or drinking. Research has shown that Xylitol in sugar-free gum can prevent tooth decay. It is important that it is sugar-free because ordinary gum contains sugar and therefore may damage your teeth. 2 • Chewing gum can have a calming effect and can lower cortisol levels. 3 • Gum may help heartburn. The extra saliva increases the movement of solids and fluids along the oesophagus. Look for fruit-flavoured gum for heartburn as peppermint can make it worse. 4 • Gum has proved helpful for people trying to quit smoking. • Chewing gum induces swallowing that can help while taking off and landing in a plane. The blocked sensation in your ears is due to pressure changes occurring with the change of altitude. This prevents normal drainage of air and fluid from ‘the middle ear’ and causes discomfort from excessive air or fluid becoming trapped. Usually, this air pressure can be
