Chewing gum has been popular for centuries, evolving from natural tree saps to the synthetic polymer bases used today. For many people, the ability to stretch and manipulate the gum into a large bubble is a primary attraction. This practice involves highly repetitive muscular action and prolonged exposure to various ingredients, prompting questions about its overall effect on health. Whether blowing bubbles with gum is detrimental depends on the frequency of the habit, the type of gum used, and the individual’s underlying health status. This exploration investigates the physical and chemical consequences of this pastime.
Physical Strain on the Jaw and Teeth
The constant, non-nutritional chewing required to prepare and blow bubbles is classified as an oral parafunctional behavior. This repetitive action puts continuous mechanical stress on the jaw joint and the surrounding muscles of mastication. Prolonged gum chewing can lead to overuse of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull, potentially leading to discomfort or dysfunction.
For individuals with an existing TMJ disorder, the added strain can exacerbate symptoms like jaw pain, muscle fatigue, and stiffness. Excessive chewing has been associated with the development of chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in susceptible people. Beyond the joint, it may promote habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), which accelerates the wear and erosion of tooth surfaces over time.
The Impact of Gum Ingredients
The composition of the gum is a major factor in determining its health implications, particularly for dental health. Traditional gum sweetened with sugar poses a direct risk, as oral bacteria rapidly metabolize the sugar to produce acid. Continuous chewing exposes the teeth to this acid for extended periods, encouraging the demineralization of tooth enamel and increasing the risk of cavities and dental decay.
Sugar-free gums, which often use sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol, or maltitol, offer a better dental profile. These alternatives do not feed decay-causing bacteria. The act of chewing stimulates saliva flow, which naturally neutralizes acid and helps remineralize tooth enamel. Xylitol is particularly beneficial because it inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
The body’s limited ability to absorb sugar alcohols can lead to gastrointestinal side effects when large quantities are consumed. These compounds are fermented by gut bacteria, which can cause discomfort such as bloating, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. A daily intake exceeding eight grams of certain sugar alcohols may be sufficient to trigger these laxative effects.
Furthermore, the gum base itself is typically made from synthetic rubbers and polymers. A recent study suggests that chewing releases microplastic particles into the saliva, with one piece potentially shedding thousands of fragments. The long-term effects of ingesting these microplastics remain a subject of ongoing research.
Concerns Regarding Air Quality and Ingestion
The vigorous exhalation involved in bubble blowing raises concerns about inhaling airborne contaminants. The act of forcing a breath outward and then inhaling quickly may draw in dust or germs from the immediate environment. However, this risk is generally considered negligible and no greater than the exposure encountered during normal outdoor activity or exercise.
A more common concern relates to the accidental swallowing of the gum, a myth-laden topic that often suggests the gum remains in the stomach for years. This is incorrect, as the digestive system handles swallowed gum much like other indigestible materials, such as corn or seeds. The gum base, composed of synthetic polymers and resins, cannot be broken down by stomach acid or digestive enzymes.
The insoluble base material typically passes through the digestive tract and is excreted in stool within one to a few days. The rare danger occurs only when massive amounts of gum are swallowed frequently, or when the gum combines with other indigestible matter to form a sticky mass called a bezoar. This mass can cause an intestinal blockage, which is a serious condition.