While pursuing a more chiseled jawline, many have resorted to chewing gum, thanks to internet trends and stories that attest to its miracle-working abilities. However, does the habit do the job that so many want it to? Let us disassemble the facts and dispel the myths regarding chewing gum and the actual effect on your jawline.
Chewing gum exercises your jaw muscles, particularly the masseter muscles on either side of your ears. All that repeated action can tone up those muscles, similar to how weightlifting tones up your biceps. However, the notion that chewing gum can drastically change your jawline is not supported by science. As per Dr. Derek Steinbacher of Yale Medicine, though you may make your masseter muscles larger through chewing enough, you’d have to do this for six to eight hours a day for many years. Even that, however, would probably widen your jaw rather than make it more defined.
The way your jawline looks depends on more than just muscle. Bone structure, fat distribution in your face and neck, and skin elasticity all play a role. Genetics is a big part of it, too—and no amount of gum chewing can change your DNA. Dr. Sunthosh Sivam from Baylor College of Medicine explains that everything from your mandibular bone structure to fat pads and salivary gland placement influences your jawline’s appearance.
Now, chewing gum may not create a chiseled jawline, but it’s not entirely useless. Sugar-free gum will freshen up your breath by stimulating saliva production in the mouth, which removes food particles and bacteria. There are also some cognitive benefits—chewing gum has been associated with decreased stress and improved mood. It can even give your head a bit of an edge by increasing blood flow to the brain and assisting you in focusing.
But like with everything, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Excessive gum chewing, particularly sugary varieties, can result in cavities and tooth rot. Sugar-free alternatives will induce gastrointestinal problems in some individuals due to artificial sweeteners. Constant chewing of gum can strain your jaw, which can cause issues such as TMJ disorders, which can induce pain and discomfort.
If you want a more chiseled jawline, cosmetic procedures can provide more successful and evident outcomes. Noninvasive procedures such as Botox, Kybella, or dermal fillers can contour the jaw. Surgical procedures, such as neck lifts, liposuction, or facial implants, provide more permanent effects on individuals who desire a greater makeover.
At the end of the day, though, chewing gum might get your jaw muscles slightly stronger, but it’s not going to provide you with a movie-star jawline. If you’re serious about doing something, your best option is to speak with a qualified practitioner about the cosmetic solutions that could be for you.