Is constant gum-chewing a bad idea?

Q. For years, I’ve been an inveterate gum-chewer. I’ve always found the habit stimulating and satisfying, but are there drawbacks?

A. It’s safe to say that chewing gum is a popular habit, with billions of pieces of the confection sold around the world every year. And regular gum-chewing is generally safe to do. Like you, many people feel more focused and less stressed when they’re doing so, and limited evidence suggests chewing gum even helps some people learn better.

Another big pro is improved oral health. Chewing gum triggers saliva production, which can hinder cavities by neutralizing acid and removing plaque and tiny bits of food from around the teeth and gums. Sugar-free gum is the best choice, since versions made with the sugar substitute xylitol reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Now, the downsides: unsurprisingly, constant gum chewing can tire jaw muscles, leading to problems such as clicking and headaches. People with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain — or those who regularly grind or clench their teeth — may also find that gum-chewing simply stresses the joint further. And while xylitol-containing gum fights mouth bacteria, it may cause trouble downstream, triggering abdominal cramps, bloating, or diarrhea. A good rule of thumb is to chew sugar-free gum for only short stretches of the day — perhaps 30 minutes at a time.

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