Chewing gum may be associated with a number of adverse effects that usually occur in people who do so excessively.
Dental changes:
(1) increased risk of caries from sugar
(2) loosening of fillings, bridges, orthodontics, or other dental repairs
Chewing-related:
(1) dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint
(2) hypertrophy of masticatory muscles
(3) bite injuries to tongue or cheek
Metabolic changes:
(1) hypokalemia and hypertension with excessive licorice-flavored gum (due to glycyrrhiza)
(2) increased mercury levels due to release from amalgam
Gastrointestinal changes:
(1) gastrointestinal bezoars if the gum is repetitively swallowed
(2) diarrhea or excessive flatulence from swallowed sorbitol
(3) air swallowing
Other:
(1) perioral dermatitis with bubble gum
(2) allergic reactions to additives (menthol, chlorophylla, other)
(3) mouth ulcers from cinnamon flavoring
(4) wad being stuck into the nose or ear (usually by a small child)
(5) aspiration
