Does Chewing Gum Really Harm the Jaw?

What a Systematic Review Reveals About Gum Chewing and Temporomandibular Disorders

Chewing gum is often seen as a harmless habit sometimes even recommended for stress relief or oral health. But for decades, dentists and researchers have debated one question: can frequent gum chewing contribute to jaw pain or temporomandibular disorders (TMD)?

A recent systematic review published in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache takes a closer look at this issue by examining the best available scientific evidence. The findings suggest that the answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.”

Understanding TMD and the Chewing Debate

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a group of conditions affecting the jaw joints (TMJ), jaw muscles, and surrounding structures. Common symptoms include jaw pain, muscle fatigue, clicking sounds, and difficulty chewing.

Because chewing gum involves repetitive jaw movements and muscle activity, it has long been suspected as a potential trigger or aggravating factor for TMD. However, previous studies have reported conflicting results some finding no harm, others suggesting possible risks.

To clarify this controversy, the authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate whether chewing gum is truly associated with TMD or other jaw-related problems.

How the Researchers Studied the Evidence

Following international PRISMA guidelines, the researchers analyzed studies published in major scientific databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

In total, eight high-quality studies were included, ranging from randomized controlled trials to observational studies. These studies involved participants of different ages and backgrounds, and assessed outcomes such as jaw pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, joint sounds, and chewing movement patterns.

The authors also carefully evaluated the risk of bias and the strength of the evidence using established assessment tools, ensuring that their conclusions were based on reliable data.

What the Review Found

1. No Simple Cause-and-Effect Relationship

The review found no clear evidence that chewing gum directly causes TMD in healthy individuals. Several studies showed that jaw discomfort after prolonged chewing was temporary and often disappeared shortly after chewing stopped.

2. Frequency and Duration Matter

Some studies suggested a dose–response relationship: people who chewed gum more frequently and for longer periods were more likely to report jaw muscle pain, fatigue, or even muscle enlargement (masseter hypertrophy). This indicates that excessive chewing may place additional stress on the jaw system.

3. Healthy Jaws Can Adapt

Interestingly, individuals without pre-existing TMD appeared to have a strong adaptive capacity. Their jaw muscles recovered quickly after chewing tasks, even when mild discomfort or fatigue occurred. This suggests that a healthy masticatory system is generally resilient.

4. Muscle Changes Are Often Reversible

Advanced imaging techniques showed that intensive gum chewing can temporarily increase jaw muscle stiffness. However, these changes were reversible after rest or relaxation, reinforcing the idea that gum chewing does not usually cause permanent damage.

5. People With TMD May Be More Vulnerable

In participants who already had TMD, chewing gum was associated with abnormal chewing movements and greater variability in jaw motion. For this group, gum chewing may worsen existing symptoms rather than cause new problems.

Why These Findings Matter

This review highlights that chewing gum is not inherently harmful, but its effects depend on how much, how long, and who is chewing.

For most people, occasional gum chewing is unlikely to cause jaw problems. However, individuals with existing TMD or those who chew gum excessively for hours each day may experience increased symptoms.

Final Takeaway

Chewing gum sits in a gray area between harmless habit and potential risk factor. According to current evidence:

• Moderate gum chewing is generally safe

• Excessive, prolonged chewing may aggravate jaw symptoms

• People with existing TMD should be cautious

Rather than banning gum chewing altogether, the authors suggest a personalized approach, where individuals pay attention to their own symptoms and adjust habits accordingly.

Reference

Alam MK, AL Shayeb M, Natarajan PM, et al.

Association of temporomandibular disorders and other jaw anomalies in chewing gum users: A systematic review.

Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. 2025;39(2):35–47.

DOI: 10.22514/jofph.2025.022