Random Question about chewing gum

SharonH, RN · Jun 21, 2006

Most people agree(except for myself) that chewing gum is okay if done quietly, unfortunately in my experience almost everyone chews it like a wild animal with their mouths open, cracking and slurping. It makes them look and sound stupid, that is why I wish more people would choose sugar-free mints.

ragingmomster, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I am famous for always having a pack of gum in my pocket or just steps away in my mailbox. Top left pocket, only things in there are gum and occasionally the triage beeper.

I am also a very famous "parker". Most people don't notice I am chewing because the gum stays parked between my tongue and gum when I am around people.

I have learned over the years of keeping my breath fresh how to chew when no-one is looking, and dispose of gum when no-one is looking either. It started in nursing school when we were told gum was forbidden as it was not professional, there were too many "cud chewers" around.

General E. Speaking, RN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

i usually have a mint in my mouth vs. chewing gum.
i can hear moms' words now..."you're chewing like a cow!":rolleyes:
leslie

oh yea! My mom: "You're like a cow chewing its cud". Not sure what that is but apparently it's not socially acceptable. I'm terrible w/ gum. I forget myself and lose my manners and start popping! :imbar So, I do mints

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

For professional reasons I choose not to chew gum. I do 'slap' my gum when I am nervous or on high adreniline, so it is best I don't chew it at work. I don't even notice when I am doing it...

I choose mints...but I will tell you, on a busy day I think I eat those mints as either food or nervous habit too...I go through them quick! LOL! But then again...they are so yummy!!!! (I like wintermint...ahhhhhh cool and refreshing!). Heck, with all that coffee I drink...I better use a mint!

"Hi I am ___ your nurse today" *smell of coffee will give you a buzz! LOL!!!!!!!*

banditrn · Jun 21, 2006

oh yea! My mom: "You're like a cow chewing its cud". Not sure what that is but apparently it's not socially acceptable. I'm terrible w/ gum. I forget myself and lose my manners and start popping! :imbar So, I do mints

I grew up on a dairy farm, so I understand what Mom was saying!! :lol2:

troutfishinEMT · Jun 21, 2006

I am famous for always having a pack of gum in my pocket or just steps away in my mailbox. Top left pocket, only things in there are gum and occasionally the triage beeper.
I am also a very famous "parker". Most people don't notice I am chewing because the gum stays parked between my tongue and gum when I am around people.
I have learned over the years of keeping my breath fresh how to chew when no-one is looking, and dispose of gum when no-one is looking either. It started in nursing school when we were told gum was forbidden as it was not professional, there were too many "cud chewers" around.

LMAO - I never knew that I was a "parker", but I am one, too! I have this issue where I get a little dysphagic if I'm not regularly sipping water (or have a mint/gum in my mouth)... and since carrying a water bottle around 24/7 isn't really practical (or safe, or professional either, for that matter) I...park. Avoid "back-up" breath, mouth doesn't get too dry, and no one accuses me of looking like an extra from "Grease", blowing bubbles and smacking gum.

Parker... hehe. That's rich.

mandana · Jun 21, 2006

Yep, I park too.

I'm up in so many people's faces all day, I'd hate to make them feel worse with my stinky breath!

In general, I dislike gum - but I do park it while I'm at the hospital. I like the mint idea, but I don't like the idea of having my hands anywhere near my mouth as often as I'd need to.

Amanda

PedsER-RN, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

i always chew gum. in my opinion, someone chewing gum is far better than smelling their raunchy breath (face it, even when you brush, 12 hours later it doesn't smell the same!). our policy does say not to chew gum, but i do so-discreetly, not like a britney spears wannabe with it rolling around as it smacks and spatters. also, when you work in an er where you're never guaranteed time to eat (or even a break), gum (cinnamon especially) can be a good appetite supressant.

i think if you chew it discreetly (i.e., chewing quietly, not blowing bubbles or snapping, and not chewing while talking to patients/family or while doing procedures), it's fine. i've tried mints and not only are they awkward while trying to talk, but they make that annoying sound when they hit your teeth. :uhoh21:

Beary-nice · Jun 21, 2006

We were not allowed to chew gum in Micro, A&P, Bio or Chem...in the labs. Was taught way back when that it is unprofessional to chew on gum and I have worked in facilities that actually had policies against it. I am a obsessive tooth brusher and I carry brush and paste with me. I also do mints occasionally. I can't chew gum without crackin it...sorry...

moonischasingme1 · Jun 21, 2006

I don't like gum. It's like chewing a piece of food over and over and never getting anywhere!

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

Actually I kinda get the ebbies with gum too. I think...oh great, I have been chewing that same food stuck in my teeth (dispite brushing!) and the germs breathed on me for what..an hour...ewwwwwwwww! LOL! Kinda grody if you think about it...ewwwwww!

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2006

I almost never chew gum - it will actually make me gag if I chew longer than 5 minutes.( yes, I know I'm weird). I will occasionally have a breath mint.

I hate people chomping on gum - to me, its like nails on a chalk board! I've never had any one comment on my breath - but I'm not a smoker, coffee drinker and only eat garlic at home (hmm- garlic!) so its quite possible that I don't have bad breath!