Nicotine gum should be avoided during pregnancy. While the amount of nicotine is less than that of a cigarette, it is still harmful to the development of the fetus. By and large, gum is safe to consume while pregnant. For those who decide to chew gum, it is best to remember to choose a sugar-free variety over that of a sugar-laden one to help keep dental health in check.
It is also best to chew it in moderation to not suffer the consequences of any of the side-effects gum make cause to the body. Jessica is a writer based out of California. She is a mom to two fiercely independent, fun-loving girls and wife to a man who helps her find balance in life. Jessica is an avid runner, consumer of really great cups of coffee, and enjoys adventuring off the beaten path whenever possible.
Family is number one to Jessica and is what makes living this crazy, hectic, beautiful life worthwhile. It can be found in birch trees and some fruits and vegetables. Rather, sugar alcohols are a group of foods that the body absorbs slowly and incompletely without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. The body does not process it like regular sugar, and the specific ways xylitol differs from sugar in the body are what make it really useful in oral care products more on that in a minute.
Xylitol occurs naturally in foods, which may be comforting to people looking for a non-chemically manufactured sweetener. Some people experience digestive upset after eating too much xylitol, though this is generally not a concern for oral care products containing xylitol. Saliva helps wash away microscopic food particles left behind after eating. It also nullifies and washes away the acids produced when food is broken down by bacteria in plaque. A two-year clinical study that followed school-aged children in Budapest found that chewing sugar-free gum after meals significantly reduced the formation of cavities.
One small study found that chewing either sugar-free gum or gum with sugar reduced existing plaque and plaque formation. However, the study found that chewing gum had no effect on the rate of gingivitis gum disease. The increase in saliva that gum chewing produces also helps to strengthen tooth enamel. This is because saliva contains calcium and phosphate.
Temporary feelings of tooth sensitivity are a common result of in-office tooth whitening procedures. One study indicated that chewing sugar-free gum was able to reduce the level of sensitivity in teeth for participants who chewed two different types of sugar-free gum.
Various brands of sugar-free gums have different ingredients, which are all designed to mimic the taste of sugar. Some of these are artificial sweeteners, and others are made from natural sources. In addition to the type of sweetener used, sugar-free gum can also contain natural and chemical ingredients designed to provide texture, chewiness, and long-lasting taste.
Products that contain them are also more likely to contain healthier ingredients than sugar-loaded sweets. Yes, this new fruit to hit the U. Coconut sugar, a natural sweetener, is safe during pregnancy as a sugar substitute. Today, coconut sugar is recognized as a healthier and natural alternative to refined sugar sucrose , high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.
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From aspartame to stevia to erythritol, get the lowdown on which pastel packets, sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners to pick — and avoid — when you're expecting. Back to Top. In This Article. View Sources. Goran, M. Effects of consuming sugars and alternative sweeteners during pregnancy on maternal and child health: Evidence for a secondhand sugar effect.
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 78 3 , But could these be harmful to my baby? Mayo Clinic, Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes , May 25, Artificial sweeteners as a sugar substitute: Are they really safe?.
Indian J Pharmacol. Food and Drug Administration, High-intensity sweeteners , May
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