In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can out-of-date chewing gum make you sick?” with an in-depth analysis of the effects of eating chewing gum on your health. Moreover, we will also discuss if the ingredients used in chewing gum are safe or not?
Can out-of-date chewing gum make you sick?
No, eating out of date chewing gums can not make you sick. Chewing gum does not have any expiration date legally. But some brands do print expiration dates on their chewing gum products.
Why are chewing gum shelves stable?
The chewing gum’s low moisture content renders it inert and makes it an extremely shelf-stable product. Gums become brittle over time, although they are still harmless. As a result, while eating expired gum isn’t a pleasant experience, it isn’t dangerous.
What are the ingredients present in chewing gum?
The ingredients of chewing gum are probably the same but they can vary depending on the brands. Following are some of the common ingredients that are used in preparing chewing gums:
Gums
Gum is used as a base for every bubble gum. Gum is responsible for making bubble gum chewy.
Resin
To provide the structural stability and put the gum together, the resin is used in its preparation to increase its stability
Fillers
Calcium carbonate and talc are used as fillers in bubble gums to give them their gum texture.
Preservatives
Butylated hydroxytoluene is used as a preservative in the preparation of chewing gums. They are responsible for prolonging their shelf life.
Softeners
Paraffin or vegetable oils are commonly used as softeners in the preparation of chewing gums. They probably prevent the chewing gum from becoming brittle. It makes sure to lock the moisture inside the gum.
Sweeteners
Cane sugar, beet sugar, and corn syrups are used as softeners in chewing gums.
Flavorings
To give chewing gums their desired taste artificial and synthetic flavors are often added to them.
What are the health benefits of chewing gum?
Chewing gums have some health benefits too, which are as follows:
Boost memory
Chewing gum while conducting tasks has been shown to increase numerous areas of brain function, including attentiveness, memory, comprehension, and decision-making.
Reduce anxiety
A study proves that chewing gum is linked to reduced stress and anxiety in individuals.
Weight loss
Chewing gums is beneficial for weight loss. They can help you cut your calories. They lessen the feeling of hunger and eventually lead to weight loss.
Increase teeth health
Chewing sugar-free gums can protect your teeth against cavities. Sugar-free gums are more beneficial for your teeth than sweet gums. It can also help you freshen your breath.
Reduce plaque
Chewing sugar-free or sweet gums can help you to reduce your plaque. It can also fight against plaque formation in your teeth.
Strengthen tooth enamel
Gum chewing increases saliva production, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel. This is due to the presence of calcium and phosphate in saliva.
Can chewing pass through your system?
Chewing can not be digested by your digestive system. If you accidentally swallow gum, as long as it’s a small piece, it can be passed through the same route safely. Here’s how gum is broken down:
- The gum is swallowed.
- It enters your small intestine after passing via your esophagus.
- Sugars and nutrients are absorbed by the small intestine.
- The indigestible fraction of the gum passes through the colon from the small intestine.
- When you have a bowel movement, it goes via your rectum.
Should you consult a doctor if you swallow gum?
There’s probably no need to see a doctor if you swallow a piece of gum. It should travel through your digestive tract normally.
A blockage may occur if you swallow a big amount of gum or gum mixed with other indigestible materials. It may be necessary to have surgery to remove it from your digestive system.
What happens if you swallow chewing gum?
It is recommended that you should avoid swallowing your chewing gum. If you swallow your gum repeatedly you will face the following symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Chronic constipation
- Gastric issues
- Diarrhea
- Mouth ulcer
- Dental issues
- Jaw issues
Are gum ingredients safe to use?
All of the chewing gum’s ingredients are required by law to be food-grade, which means they are safe to eat. For a unique flavor, some firms may include secret problematic ingredients in their products.
Even so, because the concentrations of these chemicals are significantly lower and below the safe and acceptable limit, the gum is still safe to eat.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can out-of-date chewing gum make you sick?” with an in-depth analysis of the effects of eating chewing gum on your health. Moreover, we have also discussed if the ingredients used in chewing gum are safe or not?