Can chewing gum help jawline?
Yes, chewing gum can help strengthen jaw muscles over time, contributing to a more defined jawline. However, results require chewing gum for at least 5-6 hours per day for 6+ years. Additional methods like facial exercises, weight loss, and jawline-specific treatments also help sharpen jawline definition.
How chewing gum impacts the jaw muscles and jawline
Chewing gum is a form of resistance training for the jaw muscles, working the masseter (jaw closing) muscles as well as temporalis (jaw opening) muscles. As with strength training for other muscle groups, repetitively chewing gum can lead to muscle hypertrophy and increased jaw muscle size over time.
A larger, stronger masseter muscle can contribute to a wider, squarer jawline appearance in some people. However, gum chewing alone rarely leads to dramatic improvements in jawline definition.
Chewing gum regimen for jawline definition
Experts note that to impact jawline shape, gum would need to be chewed for 6-8 hours per day for 6+ years. This extreme gum chewing is impractical and unhealthy.
A more realistic goal is 30-60 minutes of moderate gum chewing daily, using a firmer gum like mastic gum. While not drastically changing jawline shape, this can maintain jaw muscle tone and strength.
Additional methods to help define the jaw
While chewing gum impacts the jaw muscles, there are other factors that determine jawline definition:
- Facial exercises – Targeted facial muscle exercises like puckers, squeezes, and resistance training can tone the chin and jaw areas. This tones the skin and muscle for a tighter jawline.
- Weight/fat loss – Reducing overall body and facial fat can help reveal a more chiseled facial structure. For most, losing facial fat through diet and cardio exercise takes consistent effort over weeks and months. Spot reduction through chewing gum is extremely limited.
- Ultrasound/radiofrequency treatments – Medispas offer skin tightening and fat reduction treatments using devices to target the chin and jawline areas. These help address skin laxity and fat pockets that obscure jawline definition.
- Injectables – Dermal fillers add volume along the jaw and chin to accentuate the structure. Neurotoxins like Botox relax muscles for slimming effects. Often best when combined with other treatments.
Chewing gum pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive, easy access | Can contribute to TMJ disorders |
| Freshens breath | Jaw soreness or pain from overuse |
| Portable stress reliever | Cavities or gum disease risks |
| Can curb food cravings | Contains synthetic ingredients |
When chewing gum, opt for a natural gum free of sugar and artificial sweeteners. Limit chewing sessions to avoid overworking the jaw muscles.
Tips for using chewing gum to enhance jawline
- Chew firmer gum styles like mastic gum rather than soft chewing gum
- Position gum towards the back molars to target masseter muscles better
- Chew evenly on both sides to work both jaw muscles
- Focus chewing motions straight up and down rather than sideways grinding
- Take breaks rather than constant chewing to prevent muscle strains
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to build muscular tone
- Pair with targeted facial toning exercises for better effects
While gum chewing has some benefits for jaw muscles, dramatic improvements to jawline definition require a regimen focused on total body fat loss, facial toning exercises, and in some cases, professional facial slimming treatments.
