Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, is commonly found in chewing gum, toothpaste and candies, and is considered safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts. So, a few pieces of xylitol-sweetened gum a day is fine — but you might not want to chew through five.
Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for preterm birth, and now new research suggests that chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol during pregnancy may lower this risk.
The bacteria responsible for tooth decay are often transferred between mother and child through oral contact, which can account for a baby's first cavities. Chewing xylitol gum during pregnancy and for the first few years of a child's life is a great way to stop that from happening.
Constant gum chewing puts excessive force on your temporomandibular joints, muscles and teeth, which leads to overstress, imbalance and misalignment. This can cause: Clicking or popping in one or both temporomandibular joints. Headaches.
Peppermint tea: Peppermint is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in pregnancy. Studies have shown it doesn't harm the mother or baby, although you should avoid very large amounts and avoid in the first trimester because it can promote menstruation.
Spearmint and peppermint are two herbs that are very effective at treating nausea and upset stomach. A great way to get those benefits on the go is in the form of a strong, minty chewing gum. This is an especially great tip for when you're at work or in the car.
Peppermint hard candies or gum are great for on-the-go nausea relief. Consuming peppermint essential oil during pregnancy isn't recommended.
Chewing gum can result in jaw muscle imbalance or TMJ in your jaw, especially if you chew on one side of the mouth more than the other. Whenever you overuse a set of muscles, it results in contracted ligaments and debilitating pain. It can also lead to earaches, toothaches, and headaches.
2. Limit gum to five or six pieces per day. Though most people can tolerate sugar alcohols in small amounts, too much could lead to bloating and diarrhea, Planells explained.
EXTRA Refreshers Gum is an invigorating way to reshape your refreshment. Ingredients Made of: Xylitol, Gum Base, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Less than 2% of: Mannitol, Soy Lecithin, Acacia, Sorbitol, Aspartame, Acesulfame K, BHT (to Maintain Freshness), Coloring (Includes Blue 1 Lake).
Eating too quickly
The increased air in the stomach causes gas and bloating. Chewing gum and using a straw can also increase the amount of air that reaches the stomach.
Common sources of xylitol include: Chewing gum such as Trident®, Icebreakers®, Stride®, Orbit®, Pure®, Mentos®, and Spry®. Please note that some Trident® gums do not contain xylitol so please check the ingredients.
INGREDIENTS: Sorbitol, Gum Base, Glycerol, Natural And Artificial Flavors; Less Than 2% Of: Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Aspartame, Mannitol, Acesulfame K, Soy Lecithin, Bht (To Maintain Freshness), Colors (Turmeric, Blue 1 Lake). PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.
An experiment conducted in Malawi found that pregnant women who chewed gum for 20 minutes a day had a low chance of preterm birth or low birth weight. The gum had xylitol, a sugar substitute extracted from various fruits and vegetables commonly used as an alternative sweetener in many products.
According to the FDA, aspartame is safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A packet or two of the blue stuff now and then is fine (so yes, a small piece of sugarless gum is safe).
A typical piece of gum contains about 1.25 grams of sorbitol, so their consumption was clearly higher than normal.
If you're going to chew gum, make sure it's gum that is sugar-free. Choose a gum containing xylitol, as it reduces the bacteria that cause cavities and plaque. Brands that are the best are Pür, XyloBurst, Xylitol, Peppersmith, Glee Gum, and Orbit.
Fifteen minutes is the maximum time you should chew your gum. Any time over that could result in jaw muscle exhaustion. Continued excessive gum chewing may even create problems with your jawbone health, known as .
When some bulk sweeteners such as sorbitol and xylitol are consumed at high levels – either in chewing gum or other food products – some consumers may experience a mild laxative effect.
Chewing gum has become a common habit for a number of reasons, including stress reduction, to help quit smoking, reducing food cravings, and just plain enjoyment. Unfortunately, this seemingly harmless habit can have a number of negative side effects on your health and can even damage your health.
Both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate saliva flow. Not only does the increased saliva flow neutralize the acids in your mouth, it also washes away food particles, helping to keep your teeth clean.
Ginger: “There's some research out there that ginger actually helps with nausea,” says Dr. Burroughs, so she's typically fine with patients trying ginger candies or lollipops to help with their nausea.
Tic Tac Ointment should not be used during pregnancy, as there is limited information about its safety during human pregnancy.