Chewing wax is a habit that many people engage in, whether for pleasure, as a way to quit smoking, relieve stress, or quell boredom. However, there are some key considerations when it comes to determining if chewing wax is safe or advisable. This article will examine the potential benefits and risks of chewing wax so you can make an informed decision about whether this habit is right for you.
What is Chewing Wax?
Chewing wax simply refers to the act of chewing some type of wax product for an extended period of time. There are various types of wax that can be chewed:
- Beeswax
- Paraffin wax
- Microcrystalline wax
- Carnauba wax
- Soy wax
- Candelilla wax
The most popular options are beeswax and paraffin wax. Beeswax comes from honeybee hives and is generally considered more natural. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct and the type used in candle making.
Wax chewing products are available in slab, stick, or pellet form. The wax is slowly chewed over time to release its flavor or simply to provide oral stimulation. Some people will chew the same piece continuously, while others will swap out a fresh piece when the flavor fades.
Reasons People Chew Wax
There are several motivations that drive the decision to chew wax:
- Oral fixation/stimulation – Chewing wax can satisfy an oral fixation and provide lasting chewing stimulation.
- Stress relief – The repetitive motion of chewing can have a calming effect and relieve anxiety or stress.
- Boredom – Chewing wax gives people something to do to combat boredom.
- Quit smoking – Chewing wax provides an oral substitute for those attempting to quit smoking cigarettes.
- Weight loss – Chewing wax may help suppress appetite between meals.
- Focus – The act of chewing wax can aid concentration for some people.
- Pleasure – Some enjoy chewing wax simply for the taste and texture.
The sensory input and distraction of chewing wax appeals to many demographics, including students, truck drivers, office workers, smokers, dieters, and more.
Potential Benefits of Chewing Wax
Chewing wax has a number of proposed advantages that drive its popularity. Here are some of the touted benefits:
Oral Health
Chewing wax advocates believe the act of chewing for extended periods can provide the following oral health benefits:
- Increased saliva production – More saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.
- Cleans teeth – The wax can pick up debris and push saliva into crevices.
- Massages gums – This massage can increase circulation to gums.
- Strengthens jaw – Working the jaw muscles can keep them strong.
Some dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after eating as an easy way to protect and clean teeth. The theory is that chewing wax can provide these same advantages.
Calming Effects
There is evidence that chewing wax can activate the release of calming neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin. This is believed to help:
- Alleviate stress
- Increase alertness
- Improve mood
- Reduce anxiety
The repetitive motion of chewing combined with the brain chemistry response it stimulates provides a soothing effect for many wax chewers.
Concentration and Memory
Some studies indicate that chewing wax can improve cognition, focus, and memory retention through a few mechanisms:
- Increases blood flow to the brain
- Stimulates memory-boosting hormones
- Allows for better concentration than food chewing
The idea is that the act of chewing provides just enough distraction to focus the mind, without becoming too consuming of attention the way eating food can be. This can result in the ability to concentrate for longer periods.
Oral Substitute for Smokers
Many companies now make wax chewing products specifically designed to help smokers quit. Chewing wax gives the hands and mouth something to do to replace cigarettes. The chewing action and flavor help satisfy oral cravings in a less harmful way.
Suppresses Appetite
Chewing wax requires some low-level oral activity that distracts the mind from feelings of hunger. This can make wax chewing an aid for dieters to help get them between meals without snacking unnecessarily. The combination of flavor and chewing stimulation tricks the brain into feeling satiated.
Potential Risks of Chewing Wax
While chewing wax certainly can have its advantages, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
Choking Hazard
One of the most serious risks of chewing wax is accidentally inhaling or choking on bits of wax. This is especially hazardous for younger children whose airways are smaller. Supervision is recommended for kids chewing wax to prevent choking emergencies.
Toxic Exposure
Certain types of wax may contain ingredients or contaminants you do not want leaching into your mouth. Paraffin wax can sometimes contain trace industrial toxins or carcinogens. Beeswax can harbor pesticides, bleach, antibiotics, or other adulterants. Knowing your source is important.
Allergic Reactions
Some people discover they have an allergy or sensitivity to beeswax, soy wax, or other chewable wax ingredients. This can result in symptoms like itching, swelling, or trouble breathing. Discontinue use if any allergic reaction occurs.
Overuse
Constant, obsessive chewing of wax may indicate a fixation on oral stimulation better addressed through counseling. Moderation is key for any healthy habit. Seek help if wax chewing becomes compulsive.
Dental Damage
While wax itself will not directly damage teeth, some dentists warn that chewing wax too aggressively or for very extended periods can lead to indirectly harmful habits like clenching, grinding, or tugging at teeth. This is most concerning for those with dental implants, crowns, or braces.
GI Blockage
In rare cases, large chunks of swallowed wax can accumulate in the intestines and cause a blockage or obstruction requiring medical care. This is extremely uncommon but demonstrates the need to chew slowly and avoid swallowing big pieces of wax.
Social Problems
For some, chewing wax may be seen as an unprofessional or socially unacceptable habit. The visual of constantly chewing wax can be off-putting in school, workplace, or formal settings for certain individuals.
Safety Tips
If you do opt to chew wax, following some basic safety guidelines can help minimize risks:
- Use high-quality wax from trusted sources
- Read ingredient labels and avoid paraffin with additives
- Watch children closely when chewing
- Chew slowly and methodically – don’t just gnaw mindlessly
- Do not swallow large chunks of wax
- Drink water regularly while chewing to aid saliva flow
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods immediately after chewing wax
- Cease use if any allergic symptoms or breathing issues occur
- Talk to a doctor before chewing wax with dental work or orthodontics
- Moderation is key – avoid chewing wax for more than 30-60 minutes at a time
Following these tips will help reduce risks and make wax chewing as safe as possible.
Types of Chewable Waxes
If you decide to give wax chewing a try, there are many product options to explore:
| Type | Description | Taste | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beeswax | Derived from honeycombs, natural wax | Honey, herbal | Soft, malleable |
| Paraffin Wax | Petroleum byproduct, used in candles | Neutral, bland | Waxy, brittle |
| Microcrystalline Wax | Refined mineral wax | Low flavor | Crumblier |
| Carnauba Wax | From carnauba palm leaves | Hint of coconut | Hard, needs chewing |
| Candelilla Wax | Derived from shrubs | Mild vanilla notes | Smooth, creamy |
| Soy Wax | Made from hydrogenated soybean oil | Neutral flavor | Soft, slippery |
Beeswax and paraffin tend to be the most popular and widely available. But exploring different wax types lets you find your perfect chewing consistency and flavor. The options are wide ranging.
Conclusion
Chewing wax can be an enjoyable habit that provides oral stimulation and minor health advantages for many people. However, moderation is vital and certain precautions should be taken to minimize risks like choking and toxicity. Be mindful of setting, use high quality wax, chew cautiously, and avoid overdoing it. For most folks, chewing wax in careful moderation can be safe, fun, and offer some benefits. But it may not be for everyone. Consider your personal oral tendencies when deciding if wax chewing feels right for you.