Why would using your teeth for their primary purpose require extensive dental work?
From the study: > In the wood-chewing group, changes in GSH concentrations demonstrated a positive correlation with immediate memory (r = 0.520, p = 0.008) and story memory (r = 0.439, p = 0.028) scores (Figure 3). However, no significant correlations were observed in the gum-chewing group.
I am not convinced that chewing on wood sticks for a few minutes will require dental work at all. Much less extensive dental work.
Why do you think it would require extensive dental work?
> The primary purpose of teeth is to chew food. Including moderately hard materials such as roots, etc.
Roots like carrots? Sure! In fact, I'm inclined to think it's unhealthy to just eat soft foods. Roots like a stick? Our teeth were not designed for that.
Fun fact, beavers incisors keep growing their whole life. Not mine though.
Also, excessive chewing can lead to TMJ issues.