According to Wrigley’s, half of Americans chew an astonishing 170 servings of gum per person per year. Bubble gum has even snuck into the American vocabulary: “If you’re not careful, you’ll really gum up the works”; “By gum, you’re a great neighbor!” But what is the real scoop on gum? Is it good, bad, or ugly?

The Good
Chewing gum improves memory and reduces stress. Great distraction can be found in a stick of gum for people trying to stop smoking or lose weight. Gum can cushion orthodontic braces or teeth with sharp edges. Chewing gum relieves bad breath, heartburn, and sinus pressure, and sugar free gum reduces tooth decay. In fact, the U.S. military is developing antibacterial and caffeinated gums to boost oral hygiene and concentration on the battlefield. Other functional gums promote:
• Teeth whitening
• Healthy antioxidants
• Breast enhancement
• Energy
• Hydration

The Bad
Other evidence suggests that heavy gum-chewers are biting off more than they can chew. Chewing constantly can cause chronic jaw pain. Sugary gum promotes tooth decay. Since gum is indigestible, people who swallow it can develop intestinal growths. And, despite its obvious benefits, breast enhancement gum may increase risks of heart disease and osteoporosis.

The Ugly
Finally, chewing gum may have some socially unacceptable side effects. If you chew gum like cud, talk while you chew, crack your gum, or smack your lips, you risk committing a social offense of the highest caliber. Your risk may increase once you spit your gum out, since freshly discarded gum contains bacteria and viruses. Since it is hard to remove from sidewalks, it was banned in Singapore in 1992. Finally, some school systems assign gum-chewers to after-school detention.

With all the risks, we might be wise to choose not to chew.