Chemist called chewing gum dangerous for children's health

Chewing gum can be dangerous to children's health due to the synthetic polymers, sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives in its composition. Andrey Dorokhov, Associate Professor of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry named after A.N. Reformatsky RTU MIREA, warned about this on Monday, October 6.

The expert said that the basis of chewing gum is an insoluble synthetic mass consisting of polymers, which create the main danger in case of accidental ingestion, typical for young children.

"Insoluble components are not digested and can accumulate in the gastrointestinal tract, creating risks of digestive disorders and sometimes leading to intestinal obstruction," the chemist warned in a conversation with Lenta.Ru .

According to Dorokhov, for a child's body, especially under the age of five, even small amounts of regularly swallowed chewing gum can pose a serious danger.

In addition, sweeteners can be dangerous, some of which are known to have a pronounced laxative effect, he noted.

He added that another problem is the effect on tooth enamel.

"Many flavors are created by citric, malic and other acids, which gradually soften the protective layer of teeth during prolonged chewing. Children's teeth, whose enamel is not yet strong enough, are especially vulnerable," the specialist explained.

Dorokhov recommended that parents dose the use of sweets by children and choose products without sugar and artificial colors.

Earlier, on September 24, nutritionist Natalia Pavlyuk warned that chewing gum is not always useful and the main danger lies in abuse.

She noted that the body begins to perceive chewing gum as food and secrete digestive enzymes. And if you do this all the time, then problems with tooth enamel may begin.

In turn, Ekaterina Kuzina, a pediatric dentist at SM-Dentistry, gave advice on how to choose chewing gum in an interview with RIAMO.

According to the expert, sugar—free chewing gum with the addition of xylitol is the best choice, as this substance helps prevent damage to the enamel and the development of caries.

She added that it is worth paying attention to chewing gums with calcium, as they additionally strengthen the dental tissue.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.