Post: #1

I recently got back in the habit of gum chewing, something I hadn't really done since childhood.

It's underrated, and actually has a host of benefits.

1. It helps restore your enamel (via increased saliva output).

I used to get some minor discomfort when eating/drinking either very cold or hot foods. No more.

2. It makes your breath fresh.

Self explanatory.

3. It develops the muscles in your jaw line.

You can't have too strong a jawline...

4. It's proven to help you focus

5. Entirely anecdotal, but I believe chewing gum makes people appear more confident, playful, and even a little cocky (in a good way).

I think the first time I noticed this was with Conor Mcgregor (who is always chewing). My theory is that gum chewing has a calming effect that minimizes fidgeting and awkward facial expressions.

All in all, it's a must for gaming situations. But I also enjoy it at work. I even chewed gum at the interview for my current job. That's generally considered a faux pas, but hey I got the job.

Anyways, questions...comments?

Post: #2

Any specific brands you recommend?

Post: #3

I just get Wrigley's. They have a sub-brand called "EXTRA" that's like a massive gum wallet that lasts forever.

Definitely want to stick to the sugar-free varieties if you value your teeth...

Post: #4

I pretty much always chew gum when not in a professional setting. It's a habit I picked up as a kid and never really dropped.

From my understanding, the theory behind your last point is when one gets nervous or anxious, they fall into a fight or flight mode. Instinctually, chewing is related to eating, which back in the hunter/gatherer days was only done in a safe environment. Therefore, chewing gum hijacks your brain into a more relaxed state.

In college, if I had a big speech or presentation to give, I would chew gum right before going up to the podium to help with nerves or any anxiety.

The best gum was the original blue Stride. It kept its flavor for the entire day. The commercials about it lasting too long were actually accurate. But then they changed it up to Stride 2.0 and it blew dick. I typically chew Five gum now but it's overpriced and loses it's flavor relatively quickly.

Post: #5

Obligatory

Post: #6

Sounds alright, but has one caveat.

Most chewing gum brands have carcinogenic immune system destroying Aspartame, splenda or sucralose in it - or a mix of all toxic sweeteners.

I used to chew those gums myself before finding out about it.

There are some good brands which are sweetened by Stevia or xylitol. Pick those - otherwise all your positives mentioned above go out with the wind.

Post: #7

If you want a hard gum to chew, for the purpose of a jaw "exercise", get mastic gum.

I founds some in a local Turkish store or you can order online.

It is sugarless and feels like youre chewing rubber but it helps with the saliva output and jaw strenghtening.

Post: #8

(07-31-2017 02:16 AM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  Sounds alright, but has one caveat.

Most chewing gum brands have carcinogenic immune system destroying Aspartame, splenda or sucralose in it - or a mix of all toxic sweeteners.

I used to chew those gums myself before finding out about it.

There are some good brands which are sweetened by Stevia or xylitol. Pick those - otherwise all your positives mentioned above go out with the wind.

Any recommended brands that don't include stevia or xylitol?

Post: #9

My dentist said its bad for you, wears out your teeth, jaw joints and such.

I don't know about that, but that's what he said anyway.

Post: #10

I've been told when I chew gum I look friendlier. Makes sense since I don't walk around smiling all the time.

Post: #11

(07-30-2017 09:31 AM)vegasjohnny Wrote:  I recently got back in the habit of gum chewing, something I hadn't really done since childhood.

It's underrated, and actually has a host of benefits.

1. It helps restore your enamel (via increased saliva output).

I used to get some minor discomfort when eating/drinking either very cold or hot foods. No more.

It'd be nice, but it doesn't and cannot do any such thing. Enamel is deposited on the surface of the tooth by specialized cells called ameloblasts. Unlike the cells that secrete the softer dentin that forms the inner layer of the tooth, ameloblasts secrete enamel below themselves, as you can see in the histological slide here:



As a result, once the tooth erupts the ameloblasts die off and so no further enamel can be created. At best, chewing gum induced saliva can slow down the degradation of remaining enamel but it can't regenerate it.

Post: #12

(08-05-2017 02:17 AM)RatInTheWoods Wrote:  My dentist said its bad for you, wears out your teeth, jaw joints and such.

I don't know about that, but that's what he said anyway.

I second this post wholeheartedly. Just be careful if you start chewing gum regularly because you don't want this to happen to you, trust me.

Post: #13

(08-03-2017 08:51 PM)Player_1337 Wrote:  

(07-31-2017 02:16 AM)Zelcorpion Wrote:  Sounds alright, but has one caveat.

Most chewing gum brands have carcinogenic immune system destroying Aspartame, splenda or sucralose in it - or a mix of all toxic sweeteners.

I used to chew those gums myself before finding out about it.

There are some good brands which are sweetened by Stevia or xylitol. Pick those - otherwise all your positives mentioned above go out with the wind.

Any recommended brands that don't include stevia or xylitol?

Check out at local organic stores - most have some. There are countless brands available - unless you want to order your gums by FedEx you may depend on what is available to you then and there.

Post: #14

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articl...foods.aspx

Quote:The Dangers of Chewing for No Reason…

While chewing is essential when you eat, chewing without eating food can be counterproductive. When you chew gum, for instance, you send your body physical signals that food is about to enter your body. The enzymes and acids that are activated when you chew gum are therefore released, but without the food they’re intended to digest.

This can cause bloating, an overproduction of stomach acid, and can compromise your ability to produce sufficient digestive secretions when you actually do eat food.

Besides this, chewing gum can cause jaw muscle imbalances (if you chew on one side more than the other) and even TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder in your jaw, which can be a painful chronic condition. I generally recommend avoiding gum chewing, but if you do chew gum, do so only occasionally or right before a meal when the acid and enzyme stimulation may actually be beneficial.