A comprehensive review of over three decades of brain-imaging studies has uncovered how chewing gum impacts brain activity related to attention, stress, and alertness. Conducted by researchers at the University of Szczecin in Poland, the 2025 study highlights both the potential benefits of this common habit and its limitations.
The history of chewing gum stretches back at least 8,000 years, originating in ancient cultures such as those in Scandinavia. Early inhabitants used birchbark pitch as an adhesive, a practice that evolved over millennia. Various societies, including the Greeks and the Maya, chewed tree resins, often for pleasure or as a calming agent. The transformation of gum into a mainstream commodity occurred in the late 19th century, largely due to the marketing efforts of William Wrigley Jr.. His brands, including Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, were promoted as tools for alleviating stress and enhancing focus.
The recent review analyzed significant findings from brain-imaging techniques like MRI and EEG, revealing that chewing gum alters brain activity in areas responsible for movement, attention, and stress regulation. As a result, this simple activity can foster feelings of calmness and improved concentration, even after the flavor has faded. The review emphasized that gum chewing not only engages the motor and sensory networks associated with the act itself but also stimulates higher-order brain regions involved in emotional control and alertness.
According to Crystal Haskell-Ramsay, a professor of biological psychology at Northumbria University, gum chewing is particularly beneficial for maintaining concentration during monotonous tasks. Furthermore, the study supports prior research indicating that chewing gum can help reduce stress in specific contexts. In laboratory settings, participants who chewed gum during mildly stressful activities, such as public speaking or solving math problems, reported lower anxiety levels compared to their non-chewing counterparts.
Despite these promising findings, the review also pointed out significant limitations. The stress-relieving effects of gum chewing were not consistently observed in highly stressful situations, such as immediately prior to surgery. Moreover, participants who chewed gum did not demonstrate improved memory recall compared to those who did not, and any attention-boosting effects tended to dissipate quickly after chewing stopped.
Researchers speculate that the act of chewing may fulfill a natural human tendency to fidget, which could contribute to the perceived benefits of increased focus and reduced stress. While the study acknowledges that chewing gum modulates brain function beyond basic oral motor control, it stresses that the neural changes associated with chewing cannot be directly linked to the positive behavioral outcomes observed in various studies.
There are also potential downsides to consider. Dental professionals caution that the acids and sweeteners found in many gums, even sugar-free varieties, can negatively affect dental health. This awareness highlights the complexity of understanding the effects of chewing gum, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach that weighs both its potential benefits and risks.
Overall, while chewing gum may offer short-term boosts to focus and stress relief, further research is necessary to explore its long-term impacts and potential therapeutic applications. As the landscape of gum chewing continues to evolve, both consumers and researchers are encouraged to consider these findings critically.
