Have you thought that pregnant women should not chew gum? It would seem that what could be harmful in such a harmless-looking plate, which is highly recommended for preliminary cleaning of teeth after eating? It turns out that not everything is so simple and when you find out quite Interesting Facts about chewing gum, you will want to break the habit of chewing gum not only during pregnancy, but forever.

So let's start from the beginning. Everyone has seen more than once commercials claiming that only chewing gum can save teeth from caries. If you do not chew gum after eating, the manufacturers assure us, your teeth will certainly become covered with black spots, and after some time you will lose them altogether.

At the same time, each of us understands that completely cleaning our teeth with chewing gum impossible, but maybe it really helps protect your teeth for a while until you get to toothbrushes? Your breath, at least with its help, really takes on a pleasant minty smell. The trouble lies elsewhere.

Why shouldn't pregnant women chew gum?

The fillings, which were so securely in place in the teeth, simply become loose and fall under the influence of chewing gum. The thing is that when chewing gum, a vacuum effect is created, which turns out to be stronger than even the most reliable filling.

And since pregnant women’s teeth are rather poorly protected, because her body absolutely lacks calcium, even if its reserves are endlessly replenished, then, as a result, endless visits to the dentist begin. And there, as you know, anesthesia is used. And, although special types of anesthesia are used for dental treatment for pregnant women, if it is used too often, it will certainly not be useful for the child.

Chewing gum during pregnancy

Can you chew gum during pregnancy?

Let's look at the composition of chewing gum. More precisely, those mysterious numbers that are there, next to the letter E.

1. Aspartame – E951 is an artificial element, a sweetener that replaces sugar in chewing gum. In essence, it is truly absolutely harmless, but the trouble is that in the human body, under the influence of metabolism, it breaks down into the amino acid phenylalanine and methanol. Of course, the methanol content after using one plate is completely insignificant and, moreover, methanol is synthesized by the human body itself - it is, so to speak, a by-product of its vital activity. But is it worth increasing the amount of methanol in your body during pregnancy? Decide for yourself.
2. Phenylanine, the second component of aspartame, also raises big questions. There is an opinion that, although it does not pass directly through the placenta, it negatively affects the hormonal background of a pregnant woman, and therefore the hormonal background of the fetus, because they are completely interconnected. Although, for the sake of fairness, it should be noted that no serious research has been conducted on this topic yet, and there is no confirmed data on this matter. For now there are only assumptions and hypotheses. But is it yours? unborn child– an object for such experiments?

In general, Belarusian doctors have already written on many chewing gums that they are not recommended for use during pregnancy. They believe that pregnant women should definitely not chew gum. Perhaps you should heed their advice too?

Good day to all!
Here's what I read on the net:
If you think that pregnant women should only drink alcohol and smoke, you are mistaken. For example, Dirol chewing gum is not recommended for them. This is what is stated on the packaging of this product.

“Contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria. Information for sale in Belarus: not recommended for pregnant and lactating women."

Chewing gum contains the sweetener aspartame, which is contraindicated in patients with phenylketonuria because it contains phenylalanine.

Phenylketonuria is a disease associated with metabolic disorders, diagnosed in one out of 10 thousand newborns, Lenta.Ru reports. According to food labeling standards in our country, pregnant women must be warned about the danger.

But pay attention to the composition of chewing gum of two well-known brands.

Ingredients of Dirol chewing gum: isomalt, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol syrup, aspartame, acesulfame-K, rubber base, calcium carbonate 4%, natural flavors: mint, menthol, natural vanillin, artificial refresher, thickener E414, stabilizer E422, hydrogenated rapeseed oil, emulsifier E322, colorant E171, glazing agent E903, antioxidant E321, texturizer E341iii. Ingredients of Orbit chewing gum: sorbitol E420, maltitol E965, rubber base, thickener E414, stabilizer E422, natural, nature-identical and artificial flavors, mannitol E421, emulsifier soy lecithin, color E171, sweeteners aspartame E951, acesulfame K E950, sodium bicarbonate E500ii, glaze E903, antioxidant E320.

It is obvious that “aspartame”, and accordingly phenylalanine, is present in both chewing gum. In addition, aspartame is found in Wrigley's gum, in Coca-Cola, Pepsi drinks, and in diet products that use sugar substitutes.

At the same time, phenylalanine for a person who does not have a history of phenylketonuria is not some kind of potentially dangerous substance. This is an essential amino acid that the human body needs daily.

Moreover, according to Alexander Baturin, deputy director for scientific work at the Research Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, phenylalanine is not dangerous for pregnant women and their children: according to studies conducted back in 1979 by American scientists, when the level of this substance in the mother’s blood increases, the placenta almost completely prevents the increase in the level phenylalanine in fetal blood. This is precisely what Russian standards are based on, according to which a special warning is not required to be applied to food products.

Belarusian doctors, as we see, in relation to the phenylalanine found in Dirol chewing gum, adhere to the principle that God saves.

In general, talking about a separate ingredient in chewing gum does not exclude the question - what do chewing gum consist of in general? The Fitness portal draws attention to the fact that most of the ingredients, in addition to phenylalanine, are far from harmless.

1.Latex is the basis of chewing gum. So far it is considered harmless. However, complete studies have not been carried out.

2. Flavors, natural and identical to them. They are not always harmless, because they are often obtained chemically (synthesis). Sanitary standards allow this.

3. Dyes. If you see E171 on the packaging, you should know that this is the so-called titanium white. Previously in Russia food products they were banned, but now the ban does not apply (money matters a lot). This dye causes liver and kidney diseases. Stimorol chewing gum contains the dye E-131, which promotes the formation of cancer cells.

There is more and more new information about dyes that is not always reassuring to the consumer. Last year in Belarus, for example, a decree of the chief state sanitary doctor of Belarus introduced a ban on the production, use, import, and circulation of products in the manufacture of which the dye E128, the so-called purple, was used.

4. Sweeteners. There are different ones. The aforementioned aspartame is just one of them.

In general, think about what you chew!

Chewing gum promotes the production of gastric juice. It irritates the walls of the stomach, as the body perceives chewing gum as food. In this case, there is a high probability of developing gastritis and ulcers. Therefore, experts disagree on whether chewing gum is harmful or beneficial.

What is included in the chewing gum:

1. The basis of any chewing gum is latex. It is important to remember that its effects have not been tested on pregnant women;
2. flavorings;
3. dyes. Some of them cannot be eaten;
4. sweeteners such as sugar and sugar substitutes;
5. many types contain aspartame, which causes headaches and nausea.

Since studies have not been conducted on pregnant women, it is recommended to limit the use of gum for the entire period of pregnancy. It is better to use natural substitutes consisting of resins.

Why pregnant women should not chew gum:

• First of all, pregnant women should not use chewing gum, because it affects the health of their teeth. Its constant use destroys tooth enamel and negatively affects fillings;
• chewing in a pregnant woman can cause nausea and vomiting;
• high sugar content increases blood glucose levels;
• dyes and flavors can provoke allergic reactions;
• Any chewing stimulates the production of gastric juice. It is strictly forbidden to consume bubble gum on an empty stomach. This often causes the development of gastritis and ulcers.

During the period of gestation, everything from the mother's body essential vitamins and minerals pass through the umbilical cord to the baby. They are necessary for proper development bone skeleton and organs of the unborn baby.

Pregnant women already notice from the first trimester that their teeth become more fragile. Chewing gum, causing increased salivation, accelerates the process of destruction of tooth enamel due to the sugar content in it.

There is also a high probability of the filling falling out, and as a consequence subsequent treatment. We must not forget that the use of anesthesia is contraindicated in the first trimester. That is why pregnant women are not recommended to chew gum.

If a pregnant woman cannot live without chewing gum, then it is better to replace it with natural cedar gum or chewing gum. It consists of natural ingredients, is not harmful to health and has a pleasant taste.

There are many myths and legends about chewing gum, for example:

• scientists have found that chewing gum helps the process of losing weight, as it reduces appetite;
• There is active debate about whether chewing gum affects brain activity. Many believe that its use improves memory and helps concentrate;
• if you chew gum for no more than 5-7 minutes, a light massage of the gums occurs, which has a beneficial effect on dental health;
• Chewing gum will never replace brushing your teeth with toothpaste and brush;
• the product has a destructive effect on fillings and crowns and promotes the formation of interdental caries.

Glutamate and aspartame, according to scientific research, have a negative effect on childbearing, as they contribute to the destruction of nerve cells, especially on later pregnancy.

Each future mom must understand that chewing gum will do more harm to the body than good. The only advantage of such a product is that it freshens the breath quite short term. In this case, it is better for the expectant mother to replace the gum with mint tea or brush her teeth with toothpaste.

The pros and cons of chewing gum should help the expectant mother decide whether it is worth chewing. One chewing gum will not harm the body, but its regular use will negatively affect female body and fetal development.

Is the habitual chewing gum, which has been in the mouths of many people for several decades, prohibited for pregnant women? Why? And anyway, where do such strange thoughts come from?

We do not offer simple answers; unfortunately, today there are simply none. However, this does not mean that there is nothing to talk about here, because interesting information complete. This means there is something to think about. This article will provide information that will help you get closer to understanding whether pregnant women can chew gum, and possibly give up this harmful habit.

Chewing gum during pregnancy and teeth

What can chewing gum give or take away during pregnancy? Let's start from the top - with the teeth.

Every day, TV commercials dazzle us with their smiles, telling us that without X chewing gum (Orbit, Dirol, Wrigley's, Airwaves, etc.) they would have a hard time and their teeth would certainly turn black and fall out.

The opinion is interesting, but has little to do with the truth. Because no chewing gum is simply capable of completely cleaning your teeth (unless the distance between adjacent teeth is half a centimeter). And there is probably no need for evidence here. Everyone is already convinced of this. But advertising is no joke and “cleanses” the brain almost to the holes...

True, fashionable chewing gum has one advantage - your breath becomes fresher, but this is a slightly different story. Therefore, in this regard, pregnant women are unlucky.

How can chewing gum during pregnancy cause harm? Since we are talking about teeth, let’s remember about fillings that come out perfectly under the influence of chewing gum. And you shouldn’t put all the blame on dentists who perform their duties poorly, because this also happens with good fillings, which are simply torn off by the “chewing vacuum.” Yes, yes, not only glue is evil, the vacuum between the chewing gum and the tooth is no less harmful.

But the loss of a filling is not main reason, why chewing gum is contraindicated during pregnancy. The whole “salt” is that a pregnant woman before giving birth (or even longer) will not be able to visit the dentist, since it is either painful or involves anesthesia, which is harmful for the child.

By the way, if chewing gum contains sugar, then such chewing gum is doubly dangerous for pregnant women, because it literally “eats” the enamel of the teeth. Well, not by herself, of course. The enamel is eaten by bacteria, which multiply most quickly in a sweet-sugar environment. In addition, a pregnant woman is in great need of calcium, as a result of which there may simply not be enough to patch holes in her teeth. You already know about the dentist...

So, if your teeth could tell whether pregnant women can chew gum, they would definitely tremble in fear. Although this may not have scared you at all.

Well, then let's think some more about why pregnant women shouldn't chew gum.

Is it possible for pregnant women to chew gum, or How many E-shells are in one chewing gum

There is currently a buzz on the Internet about aspartame (E951), which is added to many well-known chewing gums instead of sugar. Some say that phenylalanine, one of the components of aspartame, negatively affects the hormonal levels of the pregnant woman and the fetus. This means that such chewing gum is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Others argue that phenylalanine is a common amino acid that the body needs, and therefore pregnant women can chew gum without any concern (unless they have phenylketonuria). In addition, phenylalanine practically does not pass through the placenta.

In general, on this question There is no clear and unambiguous “possible” or “impossible”. But you should still know that Belarusian doctors prescribed “not recommended for pregnant and lactating women” on Dirol chewing gum. Maybe not in vain?

It must be said that aspartame is not the only controversial component of chewing gum. In addition to it, there are a bunch of other “harmless” sweeteners, flavors and dyes, the harmfulness of which we have yet to learn about. Even latex, the basis of chewing gum, has not been fully studied.

Moreover, some chewing gum is harmful not only during pregnancy. Moreover, this is no longer speculation and empty talk, but an immutable fact. Until recently, Stimorol chewing gum contained the dye E131, which can cause cancer. Who knows, maybe in six months it will be discovered that E171 or some other “E” leads to the same consequences (by the way, E171 was already banned, but money helped it return). Such a story recently happened with E128 in the same Belarus.

Finally

Can pregnant women chew gum? Actually, no, but each woman decides for herself whether her pregnancy is a contraindication to chewing gum. And I really want to believe that now all pregnant women will be able to correctly assess the threat from chewing gum and will throw away even the packages that have already been started...

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