Facial Gum Trend on TikTok Raises Concerns Among Dentists

USA: An article by Khristopher J. Brooks on the CBS News website discussed a new trend sweeping TikTok. Young men are turning to “facial gum” in pursuit of a more chiseled jawline, but dental professionals are expressing scepticism about its efficacy and potential risks.

The Rise of Facial Gum

According to the CBS News report, several companies including Stronger Gum, Jawz, and Rockjaw have launched facial gum products, which they claim can lead to stronger, more defined jaw muscles. These products are being heavily marketed on TikTok, tapping into the platform’s influence on youth trends.

The gum in question is made from mastic, a tree resin that is tougher to chew than regular gum. Companies claim that the extended chewing time – anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours – exercises the jaw muscles, potentially reshaping facial structure.

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Claims and Anecdotal Evidence

Proponents of facial gum cite a 2019 study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University to support their claims. Rockjaw founder Sachin Patel told CBS MoneyWatch, “There are studies that show increased chewing with higher mechanical loads increases jaw muscle and bone size.”

Similarly, Stronger Gum’s owner Tomas Palomaki claimed, “I increased my jaw muscle size by chewing Stronger Gum for less than a year.”

Part of a Larger Trend

The CBS News article places facial gum within the context of “looksmaxxing”, a male-focused collection of behaviors and products aimed at improving physical appearance. This trend also includes practices like “mewing”, which involves flattening the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

Dental Professionals Express Concerns

However, dental professionals interviewed by CBS MoneyWatch have expressed scepticism about the efficacy of facial gum. The American Dental Association (ADA) spokesperson, Edmond Hewlett, cautioned, “Most viral trends are rarely backed by scientific evidence and can range from ineffective to harmful when it comes to oral health.”

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Hewlett, who is also a dentistry professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, warned of potential risks associated with prolonged, intense gum chewing. He stated, “The intensity of chewing gum for extended periods of time on a regular basis — especially if it is dense or has a thick consistency — could lead to symptoms like jaw pain, headaches and put you at risk for temporomandibular disorders.”

Conclusion

While the facial gum trend continues to gain traction on social media, dental professionals urge caution. The ADA maintains that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of these products. As with many viral trends, it seems prudent to approach facial gum with a healthy dose of scepticism and to consult with dental professionals before embarking on any new oral health regimens.