Chewing Gum, More Than Just a Flavor Burst?

Chewing gum has been around for a lot longer than most people realize, or even care to realize. The famous substance was known to be used centuries ago in different cultures such as the Mayans or the Greeks. Who would have thought that centuries later the practice of chewing gum would still be popular and affect so many people of the world today? We are currently known to be in a technological revolution, and has chewing gum been left out of the many exciting advancements we have witnessed? I think not.

The activity has become very popular and spread throughout the world like a wicked, contagious disease. Have you ever wondered why it became such a popular activity? Well, who can deny a sweet burst of goodness that-with technological advancements of course-has become "long lasting" in its effect. Not only does the flavor make it a popular activity, but just the act of chewing actually relieves stress in many people and helps them concentrate more. Certainly we have all seen many people chew gum while playing sports, many on the professional level. I still remember watching a kicker in college football getting ready to make the game winning kick, with numerous gum wrappers around him as he practiced kicking into the sideline net.

With its growing popularity, many might have been concerned with its negative effect on teeth. Seeing that many types are loaded with sugar, tooth decay has become a big concern for consumers that chew gum regularly. Therefore, the search was out for a gum that would not cause tooth decay and limit dental caries. Well, not only was the solution found, but it has been proven to actually help in cavity prevention. Yep, that’s right, an artificial sweetener that not only tastes just like sugar, but actually fights tooth decay! Perhaps one of the biggest inventions of the century-well, not really, but if you really enjoy chewing gum than it might have been for you! What is the name of this great natural sweetener? Xylitol.

Xylitol is being used in many popular chewing gum brands because of its similar taste to sugar, and its ability to help fight off bacteria that cause that dreaded cavity. The difference with xylitol is in its structure, it is a 5 carbon sugar alcohol that bacteria consume, but because of its difference in structure, the bacteria do not have the capability to metabolize it, thus acting as a poison to them and causing them to die. That is why xylitol gum has been recommended that after every meal to chew a piece of this gum to help prevent tooth decay. We must remember of course, that this shouldn’t be used as a replacement for dental hygiene and brushing your teeth regularly, however it can be effective in reducing the chances for dental caries and is very useful especially when you do not have the capability to brush your teeth after every meal. So go at it, chew that sugar free gum like never before, chances are you will concentrate better, slow tooth decay and annoy the heck out of the person next to you.

Jason Luke is a Client Account Specialist for 10X Marketing and chews a least one piece of gum daily. For more information on xylitol gum and other products containing xylitol, go now to xlear.com.