Gum
Gum Disease Treatments
Chewing gum has been around since prehistoric times, and its origins are uncertain. However, scientists have concluded that the origin of modern-day gum was actually in ancient India. Archaeologists have discovered evidence that ancient Indian people chewed on certain types of molds, which would have been a type of resinous substance made from natural gum resins. This would have been much like chewing on raw walnut shells today. Ancient Indians would also dip their tongues in hot water, which would yield a kind of mint flavor, similar to what we call minty.
The earliest form of chewing gum was created from a resin from the chicle plant, as mentioned above. Chewing gums contain a substance called saponin and have a brown color. Chewing gums came into widespread use during the Medieval Times, when soldiers in armor made use of them to keep their teeth and mouths clean during combat. The gum served as a kind of oral rattle, allowing enemy soldiers to know where the enemy troop was located and where they were heading in an attack. They could also use the gum as a kind of signaling device.
In addition to the resin-base and chewing gums, various sweetening agents were used as chewing gums. Most were flavored with various types of herbs such as rose, peppermint, and cardamom. These flavored sweeteners are generally water-based and are extracted from plants, fruits, and vegetables. The most common flavor agents today are those derived from fruits such as chocolate, which is used in everything from candy to candy bars and more. Other sweetening agents include honey, molasses, maple syrup, and even soy sauce.
After chewing gum, most people experience staining or whitening of the teeth. This is caused by the presence of oxygen molecules on the plaque. This process is called oxidative decay. The presence of oxygen molecules on the plaque causes the sticky nature of the plaque. Although gum relieves some of the symptoms of periodontal disease, it does not reverse the damage to the teeth that can only be done by prescription medications such as corticosteroids and other strong oral antibiotics. However, chewing gum certainly aids in the process of getting rid of the tartar, which flaps up the teeth's pores and allows bacteria and underlying deposits to attack the roots of the teeth.
Chewing gum has also been associated with reduced risks of various cancers including pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer. It has also been linked to an increased risk of colon and prostate cancer. One of the possible mechanisms by which chewing gum may lower risk of cancer is by reducing the amount of free radicals floating around in the body. Some evidence suggests that aspartame, the sweetener most commonly found in many chewing gum brands, contains amounts of Aspartame that are sufficient to increase the amount of free radicals present in the body.
There are a number of conditions that gum could help treat, but it all boils down to the relationship between saliva production and bacteria in the mouth. Saliva normally neutralizes the effects of bacteria, but when you eat food that is difficult to digest or if you suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), your saliva production may be insufficient to do this job effectively. In these cases, your dentist will suggest that you use a commercially available toothpaste or mouthwash that contains butyrosine, an amino acid that stimulates saliva production. Alternatively, if your dentist is not convinced that regular gum chewing could help you with your particular condition, he may refer you to a medical professional who would be able to advise you on whether this procedure would be appropriate for you.
Comments
Post a Comment