Tag Archives: chewing gum

ENT, Health and Wellness

Tongue Brushes and Scrapers

tongue brushes and tongue scrapersTongue brushes and scrapers can be used to treat physiologic halitosis. They are favored by halitophobic patients. The origin of physiological halitosis is often post-nasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux, or poor dental hygiene. If so, treatment for those disorders can reduce or eliminate halitosis.

But, for persistent halitosis, often coming from the back of the tongue, tongue brushing and scraping can be helpful. In addition, mouth rinses with homeopathic solutions free of alcohol, (e.g. Alkalol) can also be used. In general, mouthwashes containing alcohol are to be avoided because they increase the risk of oral cancer. And, chewing gum can produce methyl mercaptan, one of the principal components of oral malodour, leading to persistent halitosis.

Health and Wellness, Myth or Medical Miracle

Chewing Gum Enhances Concentration

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Myth or Medical Miracle?

Medical miracle! Chewing gum can serve as a quick breath freshener and some types can even clean your teeth. However, you may be surprised to learn that chewing gum can boost your concentration and improve memory. According to a new study published in the British Journal of Psychology, chewing gum can help you focus on tasks that require continuous monitoring over a long period of time

Researchers conducted a health-related memory test that involved listening to a list of numbers read aloud in random order. Participants were scored on how accurately and quickly they were able to recall a specific number sequence. One group chewed gum during this test. Results indicated that the participants who chewed gum had a faster reaction time and a better recall of the numbers compared to those who did not chew gum.

Health and Wellness, Myth or Medical Miracle

Xylitol in sugar free gum prevents cavities

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Myth or Medical Miracle?

Myth! Many popular brands of sugar free gum contain the natural sweetener, xylitol, which is known to fight the bacteria that causes cavities. Although there is evidence that sugar-free gum helps prevent cavities, additives such as xylitol are not responsible, according to a recent study. Interestingly, researchers found that the act of chewing gum is what reduces cavities, perhaps by increasing the secretion of saliva. But, don’t grab for the sugar-laden gum-the sugar still causes tooth-decay and no amount of chewing can deny that!

A recentNew York Times article talked about their surprising findings!