To date, chewing gum has become a habit, in other cases - a bad one. Some people keep a small piece of latex in their mouths constantly, although, according to the recommendations of dentists, it is enough to devote 10 minutes after eating to this occupation. This short chewing helps to cleanse the interdental spaces from food debris. Again, if there is an opportunity to fully brush your teeth, it is better to do just that. Still, chewing gum is an extreme option.
Many women, having learned about their interesting situation, are in no hurry to abandon chewing gum. At the same time, expectant mothers are concerned about the question - is it safe for the fetus? Let's try to figure out whether pregnant women can chew gum with toxicosis or just like that.
Do you believe advertising?
Needless to say, it's hard to imagine everyday life without packing these little white rectangles. With the onset of pregnancy, a woman is forced to change many habits, or even abandon them. As a rule, alcohol and cigarettes are completely ruled out. If the future mother used to smoke, in the name of the baby’s health, she will not allow herself a single puff. But if no one doubts the ban on these substances, then peppermint gum seems to be a harmless and even useful product.
A lot of the confusion was made by the television commercials. We all remember the promises of white-toothed dentists: chew gum and you will be happy! And then came the compelling list of useful properties of the advertised products: it will refresh your breath, and protect against caries, and make your smile snow-white. Many still believe these marketing promises. And yet, the answer to the question of whether chewing gum can be used during pregnancy is not so straightforward. Conflicting information has been collected on the Internet. Some doctors categorically forbid, others give relief. However, there are proven facts that speak in favor of refusing chewing gum. But before you talk about them, it is worth analyzing the composition of this product.
What is chewing gum made of?
The gum base is latex, the very material from which many other products are made. It should be borne in mind that there are no facts of a scientifically investigated effect of it on the body of expectant mothers. Artificial flavors can trigger an allergic reaction. Often, chewing gum manufacturers add non-food colorants, sugar and its substitutes, in particular E951 (aspartame). This substance contains phenylalanine, which can negatively affect the hormonal background of a future mother and baby. In addition, E951 in some cases causes migraine and nausea. After the composition has been disassembled, one must ask the question: is it possible for pregnant women to chew gum, is it worth it to do at all?
Is there any benefit?
After getting acquainted with the composition of chewing gum, it becomes clear that there is nothing useful in it, in general. However, this is not quite true. It is worth examining in more detail the question of whether it is possible for pregnant women to chew gum "Orbits" or some other. There is still some benefit, and it is associated with the psychological effect of chewing. This helps to some extent to calm down with excitement. Some people are used to seizing stress with high-calorie dishes. They may be advised to chew gum for ten to fifteen minutes in an anxious state. The psychological effect will be the same, but without overeating.
In addition, the toffee really briefly freshens the breath and helps the stomach produce gastric juice. The time limit for chewing is a maximum of fifteen minutes, until the harmful substances have time to fully act.
Possible consequences of chewing gum during pregnancy
Negative effect on the condition of the teeth. Frequent use of chewing gum flushes out calcium from tooth enamel, contrary to the assurances of advertising, and it quickly deteriorates. This is due to a violation of the acidic environment in the mouth. Tooth enamel is also destroyed by frequent intense chewing movements. The teeth of pregnant women are very vulnerable, because a large amount of building materials is used to form the child’s bone skeleton. Calcium is one of the main elements, and the fetus “eats” it from the mother’s teeth. Chewing gum only speeds up this process. Chewing gum creates a vacuum between itself and the tooth, which pulls out the fillings. A lot of work for dentists was added due to pop-up fillings as a result of the use of chewing gum.
Artificial coloring and flavoring substances, which are stuffed with a latex product, are the strongest allergens. Chewing on an empty stomach can cause gastritis or an ulcer. This is due to the corrosive effect of gastric juice on the walls of the esophagus. Sugar as part of the bubble increases the glucose content in the blood. Monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer) adversely affects the nervous system of the embryo.
What to do if you really want to chew?
Not every expectant mother has the willpower to instantly change her lifestyle. Many use the psychological soothing effect of chewing, which was discussed earlier in the article. Some still refresh their breath with peppermint gum. In this case, it is worth considering minimizing the risk of health problems. To begin with, it’s worthwhile to make a rule that gum should not be kept in your mouth for more than ten to fifteen minutes. This time is enough to clean the mouth of the pieces of food.
Expectant mothers can be recommended to reduce the frequency of use of rubber plates to 1-2 pieces per day. Chew gum only after eating. Gastric juice produced by this use will help digest food. If you violate this rule systematically, that is, there is a risk of earning or aggravating stomach problems.
Can pregnant women chew gum for nausea or is it better to replace it?
Chewing gum can be replaced with natural products such as honeycombs or wood tar. These products are not only harmless, they are a storehouse of useful trace elements and vitamins. Natural coffee beans are good for breathing freshness. It is enough to chew 1-2 grains. Perfectly refreshing breath after eating ordinary parsley. A sprig of this green will destroy the bacteria in the oral cavity and restore the acid-base balance. For the pleasant effect of massaging the gums, carrots and apples are suitable. These natural massagers are faithful companions of healthy teeth.
A woman at any stage of pregnancy is responsible for her health and the health of the unborn baby. The author of the article highlighted the possible negative consequences from the use of chewing gum by expectant mothers. Therefore, it is better not to cause additional harm to two living organisms. If there is no way to completely abandon the use of the bubble, then it is worth at least minimizing the negative consequences. The safest solution is to replace the gum with other refreshing products or regular toothbrushing.
Everyone must conclude whether pregnant women can chew gum. Reviews are completely opposite. But you should think about the health of the future baby and exclude all low-quality products.