Posts: 27
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2017
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-30-2017, 09:31 AM
I recently got back in the habit of gum chewing, something I hadn't really done since childhood.
It's underrated, and actually has a host of benefits.
1. It helps restore your enamel (via increased saliva output).
I used to get some minor discomfort when eating/drinking either very cold or hot foods. No more.
2. It makes your breath fresh.
Self explanatory.
3. It develops the muscles in your jaw line.
You can't have too strong a jawline...
4. It's proven to help you focus
5. Entirely anecdotal, but I believe chewing gum makes people appear more confident, playful, and even a little cocky (in a good way).
I think the first time I noticed this was with Conor Mcgregor (who is always chewing). My theory is that gum chewing has a calming effect that minimizes fidgeting and awkward facial expressions.
All in all, it's a must for gaming situations. But I also enjoy it at work. I even chewed gum at the interview for my current job. That's generally considered a faux pas, but hey I got the job.
Anyways, questions...comments?
Posts: 1,141
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2013
Reputation:
28
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-30-2017, 10:29 AM
Any specific brands you recommend?
Posts: 27
Threads: 0
Joined: Jun 2017
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-30-2017, 11:25 AM
I just get Wrigley's. They have a sub-brand called "EXTRA" that's like a massive gum wallet that lasts forever.
Definitely want to stick to the sugar-free varieties if you value your teeth...
Posts: 1,909
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2010
Reputation:
59
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-30-2017, 11:29 AM
I pretty much always chew gum when not in a professional setting. It's a habit I picked up as a kid and never really dropped.
From my understanding, the theory behind your last point is when one gets nervous or anxious, they fall into a fight or flight mode. Instinctually, chewing is related to eating, which back in the hunter/gatherer days was only done in a safe environment. Therefore, chewing gum hijacks your brain into a more relaxed state.
In college, if I had a big speech or presentation to give, I would chew gum right before going up to the podium to help with nerves or any anxiety.
The best gum was the original blue Stride. It kept its flavor for the entire day. The commercials about it lasting too long were actually accurate. But then they changed it up to Stride 2.0 and it blew dick. I typically chew Five gum now but it's overpriced and loses it's flavor relatively quickly.
Posts: 2,276
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2014
Reputation:
24
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-30-2017, 12:36 PM
I'm the tower of power, too sweet to be sour. I'm funky like a monkey. Sky's the limit and space is the place!
-Randy Savage
Posts: 16,771
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2014
Reputation:
212
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-31-2017, 02:16 AM
Sounds alright, but has one caveat.
Most chewing gum brands have carcinogenic immune system destroying Aspartame, splenda or sucralose in it - or a mix of all toxic sweeteners.
I used to chew those gums myself before finding out about it.
There are some good brands which are sweetened by Stevia or xylitol. Pick those - otherwise all your positives mentioned above go out with the wind.
Posts: 462
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2015
Reputation:
3
The Chewing Gum Thread
07-31-2017, 12:04 PM
If you want a hard gum to chew, for the purpose of a jaw "exercise", get mastic gum.
I founds some in a local Turkish store or you can order online.
It is sugarless and feels like youre chewing rubber but it helps with the saliva output and jaw strenghtening.
Posts: 3,343
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2015
Reputation:
33
The Chewing Gum Thread
08-05-2017, 02:17 AM
My dentist said its bad for you, wears out your teeth, jaw joints and such.
I don't know about that, but that's what he said anyway.
Posts: 377
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2015
Reputation:
6
The Chewing Gum Thread
08-05-2017, 02:25 AM
I've been told when I chew gum I look friendlier. Makes sense since I don't walk around smiling all the time.
Posts: 387
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2017
The Chewing Gum Thread
08-05-2017, 11:18 AM
Quote: (07-30-2017 09:31 AM)vegasjohnny Wrote:
I recently got back in the habit of gum chewing, something I hadn't really done since childhood.
It's underrated, and actually has a host of benefits.
1. It helps restore your enamel (via increased saliva output).
I used to get some minor discomfort when eating/drinking either very cold or hot foods. No more.
It'd be nice, but it doesn't and cannot do any such thing. Enamel is deposited on the surface of the tooth by specialized cells called ameloblasts. Unlike the cells that secrete the softer dentin that forms the inner layer of the tooth, ameloblasts secrete enamel
below themselves, as you can see in the histological slide here:
As a result, once the tooth erupts the ameloblasts die off and so no further enamel can be created. At best, chewing gum induced saliva can slow down the degradation of remaining enamel but it can't regenerate it.