Natural Health & Wellness

Peppermint Oil vs. Gum – Why Essential Oil is the Superior Choice For Your Health & Social Life

Peppermint Oil vs. Gum - Why Essential Oil is the Superior Choice For Your Health & Social Life

I used to be an avid gum chewer, convinced that it was the key to maintaining fresh breath. My pockets and purses were always stocked with packs of gum, and I constantly had a stick in my mouth. However, my perspective on this habit has taken a complete 180-degree turn. 

Astonishingly, chewing gum can have detrimental effects on our oral health. Did you know that prolonged gum chewing can lead to jaw problems and even dental issues? 

Many commercial gums contain artificial ingredients and sweeteners that are far from beneficial. 

There’s a natural alternative that has been gaining recognition: food-grade peppermint oil. Not only does it provide a refreshing burst of minty freshness, but it also boasts a multitude of health benefits. 

Join me as we uncover the drawbacks of chewing gum and explore the wonders of peppermint oil as a superior substitute.

Many Are Changing Their Minds About Chewing Gum

Did you know that chewing on gum keeps the salivary glands activated constantly, wasting digestive enzymes?

When it comes time to needing the digestive enzymes to do what they are intended to do, which is digest food, the quality of the necessary enzymes is degraded. 

Chewing gum wastes valuable enzymes that our salivary glands produce, leaving less powerful saliva for real digestion.
Chewing gum wastes valuable enzymes that our salivary glands produce, leaving less powerful saliva for real digestion.

This is because they are constantly being deployed in the saliva that gum stimulates, without the need for them to be added since we do not need to digest food when chewing gum.

This can lead to inefficient digestion and poor breakdown of nutrients, which can lead to a whole other set of digestive and health issues.

Reasons to Quit Gum Today: Embrace the Benefits of Food-Grade Peppermint Oil

1. Jaw Problems

Chewing gum excessively can strain your jaw muscles and lead to jaw problems or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Chewing gum excessively can strain your jaw muscles and lead to jaw problems or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

2. Dental Health Concerns

Regular gum consumption, especially those with sugar, can be detrimental to your teeth if not sugar-free. The constant exposure to sugary gum can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Worsening

Individuals with IBS may experience aggravated symptoms like bloating and stomach discomfort due to the excessive air swallowed while chewing gum, and the fact that enzymes in saliva are weak due to them being wasted on gum chewing, and there is less for food digestion process. 

4. Headache Triggers

Some people are prone to developing frequent headaches as a result of the repetitive chewing motion associated with gum consumption.

5. Potential Diet Backfire

Chewing gum for diet purposes may backfire. It can stimulate hunger and lead to increased food cravings or overeating.

6. Undesirable Habits and Professional Etiquette

Gum-chewing can lead to the development of bad habits such as making smacking noises, littering, or annoying others. This can have negative consequences, especially in professional environments.

Benefits of Switching to Food-Grade Peppermint Oil

1. Fresh Breath Alternative

Substitute gum with food-grade peppermint oil for fresh breath. Just a drop on the tongue provides a cool and refreshing sensation that lasts.

2. Digestive Support

Peppermint oil aids in the efficient function of the digestive tract, promoting normal and healthy bowel movements.
Peppermint oil aids in the efficient function of the digestive tract, promoting normal and healthy bowel movements.

3. Muscle Relief

Applied topically, peppermint oil can relieve fatigued muscles after workouts and provide a cooling effect on the skin.
Applied topically, peppermint oil can relieve fatigued muscles after workouts and provide a cooling effect on the skin.

4. Headache Relief

When applied to the hairline and temples, peppermint oil can help alleviate headaches.
When applied to the hairline and temples, peppermint oil can help alleviate headaches.

5. Dental Health Protection

Peppermint oil helps maintain a healthier pH environment in the mouth, protecting the teeth.
Peppermint oil helps maintain a healthier pH environment in the mouth, protecting the teeth.

6. Mental Clarity and Alertness

Inhalation of peppermint oil can enhance mental clarity and promote a sense of alertness.
Inhalation of peppermint oil can enhance mental clarity and promote a sense of alertness.

If you like the switch from gum to food-grade peppermint oil, make sure you have enough bottles on hand at different locations. Keep one in the car, kitchen, bathroom, and in your purse or pocket. 

The bonus is that even though you may be carrying peppermint oil for fresh breath, you’ve also got a natural remedy for headaches, mental clarity, and more.

Dr Axe talks about the many uses and benefits of peppermint oil for health:

2 Best Food Grade Peppermint Oil Brands to Try

1. Viva Daria 100% Pure Northwest Peppermint Essential Oil

Photo courtesy of Amazon
Source: Amazon.com
What we love about Viva Doria Peppermint Oil:
  • Steam distilled
  • 100% Pure from Northwest USA Peppermint
  • Clear liquid
  • No artificial anything
  • Glass bottle for freshness
  • Use in recipes, topically, diffusers, for fresh breath
  • Highly rated on Amazon 

2. Zongle USDA Certified Organic Peppermint Oil

Zongle Peppermint Oil is often available at a significant discount on Amazon.  
Source: Amazon.com
What we love about Zongle Food Grade Peppermint Oil:
  • Ethically produced, conserving biodiversity
  • USDA Organic
  • No synthetic fertilizers, sludge, irradiation or genetic engineering
  • Food grade, safe for ingestion
  • Preservative free
  • Vegan
  • Highly rated on Amazon 

The Sticky Side: 5 Negative Social Implications of Chewing Gum

Chewing gum may seem harmless, but it’s time to peel back the wrapper and take a closer look at its not-so-sweet side. While gum-chewing may be a popular habit, it’s important to consider the potential negative social implications that come with it. 

From etiquette faux pas to environmental concerns, here are five reasons why chewing gum might leave a less-than-favorable impression on those around you.

1. Disruptive Noise

One of the most noticeable downsides of gum-chewing is the loud, smacking sound it often produces.
One of the most noticeable downsides of gum-chewing is the loud, smacking sound it often produces.

Whether it’s during a meeting, in a classroom, or even just in public spaces, the constant popping and snapping can be incredibly distracting and disruptive to others. 

It can disrupt conversations, impede concentration, and create an overall unpleasant atmosphere.

2. Lack of Etiquette

Chewing gum with an open mouth is often seen as a breach of basic manners and etiquette.
Chewing gum with an open mouth is often seen as a breach of basic manners and etiquette.

The sight of someone chomping away, with their jaws moving vigorously, can be off-putting and unappealing. 

It can give the impression of carelessness or a lack of consideration for others’ comfort. In formal settings or professional environments, gum-chewing can be viewed as unprofessional or disrespectful.

3. Messy Disposal

Improper disposal of gum is a common issue that contributes to environmental pollution. When chewed gum is carelessly discarded on streets, sidewalks, or public spaces, it becomes an unsightly mess. 

Not only does this create an unclean and unattractive environment, but it also poses a hazard for unsuspecting pedestrians who may step on or get gum stuck to their shoes.

4. Hygiene Concerns

While gum-chewing can provide a temporary burst of fresh breath, it can also raise concerns about hygiene. 

Chewing gum can lead to bad breath if proper oral hygiene practices are neglected, such as not brushing or flossing regularly.

5. Perception of Immaturity

In certain social contexts, excessive gum-chewing can be associated with immaturity or a lack of professionalism.
In certain social contexts, excessive gum-chewing can be associated with immaturity or a lack of professionalism.

Constantly chewing gum may give the impression that one is easily distracted or not taking a situation seriously. 

This perception can affect personal relationships, job interviews, and even potential networking opportunities.

Concluding thoughts on swapping out gum for food grade peppermint essential oil

In conclusion, quitting gum today and embracing the benefits of food-grade peppermint oil can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. 

By breaking free from the potential 

  • jaw problems
  • dental health concerns
  • IBS symptoms
  • Headaches
  • undesirable habits associated with gum-chewing

Open yourself up to a world of fresh breath and numerous health advantages by switching out a poor habit for a beneficial one. 

From aiding digestion and relieving muscle fatigue to promoting dental health and mental clarity, food-grade peppermint oil becomes your go-to natural remedy. 

Your mouth, body, and even those around you will thank you.

Sources and additional reading

  1. Title: “The Power of Peppermint Oil: A Natural Alternative to Gum” Source: Natural Living Ideas Link: Click Here
  2. Title: “Peppermint Oil: A Healthier Choice for Fresh Breath” Source: Wellness Mama Link: Click Here
  3. Title: “Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil for Oral Health” Source: MindBodyGreen Link: Click Here
  4. Title: “Why Peppermint Oil is a Game-Changer for Dental Health” Source: Natural Society Link: Click Here
  5. Title: “The Healing Power of Peppermint Oil: A Natural Remedy for Oral Care” Source: Organic Authority Link: Click Here

These articles provide valuable insights into the health benefits of using peppermint oil as an alternative to gum, focusing on oral health, fresh breath, and natural remedies.

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