Bengaluru: Gone are the days when chewing gum was simply about fresh breath or blowing bubbles. A new generation of functional chewing gums now promises benefits ranging from better oral health and caffeine boosts to vitamin supplementation, smoking cessation, and even relief from heartburn.Aditi Datta (name changed), a marketing professional in her early 30s from Shantinagar, said she once relied on chewing gum to mask the smell of cigarettes after every smoke break. “I didn’t want my young son to know that I smoked, so I would chew gum before returning home from work. But after making a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking over a year ago, I switched to sugar-free nicotine gum,” she said.As these products become more accessible in India through pharmacies, quick-commerce platforms, and online retailers, doctors say they are frequently encountering patients who enquire about these “super gums.”“There has been a noticeable increase in awareness, particularly among younger working professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and frequent travellers. Patients often ask whether these products are genuinely beneficial or simply marketing trends. While curiosity is increasing, most people still lack awareness of their appropriate use and limitations,” said Dr Nasiruddin G, consultant, internal medicine, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road.However, experts caution not all functional gums are backed by the same level of scientific evidence. Dr Veerendra Sutar, consultant, internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, said gums formulated for oral health, particularly sugar-free, xylitol-based variants, have the strongest evidence, while caffeine and nicotine gums are also effective because their active ingredients are rapidly absorbed through the lining of the mouth.“I see functional chewing gum as a convenience product rather than a health solution. While it may suit busy lifestyles, it should not replace a balanced diet, prescribed supplements or medical care,” said Dr Priya SP Patil, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Altius Hospital, Rajajinagar.
Doctors also warn against overreliance on these products. Using heartburn-relief gums to repeatedly mask symptoms could delay the diagnosis of underlying conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers or even heart disease, while excessive chewing may contribute to jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
