Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Why Chewing Gum Might Be Hurting Your Health - AI Podcast
Jul 1, 2025
Chewing gum might be doing more harm than good! It releases microplastics into your system, with an average person ingesting 30,000 particles annually. The act of chewing can worsen TMJ disorders, resulting in serious jaw pain and headaches. While it does increase saliva production, which can help with cavities, the risks outweigh the benefits. Healthier breath-freshening alternatives like sipping water, oil pulling, and chewing fresh ginger are suggested to keep your oral health in check without the negative side effects.
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Gum Releases Thousands of Microplastics
- A single piece of gum can release up to 3,000 microplastic particles during just a few minutes of chewing.
- Even so-called natural gums release microplastics similarly to synthetic brands, leading to significant annual plastic ingestion.
Gum Strains Jaw Joints
- Chewing gum is a parafunctional activity causing strain on temporomandibular joints (TMJs) without biological purpose.
- Over-chewing worsens TMJ disorders, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even fractured teeth.
Benefits Do Not Outweigh Risks
- Gum increases saliva that helps neutralize acids and reduce cavities by up to 17% when used after meals.
- However, plastic ingestion and jaw strain risks offset these oral health benefits.