Ditch your chewing gum and opt for mints or fresh herbs, here's why

Toxic ingredients in chewing gums: The study found that most microplastics detach from gum within the first two minutes of chewing. This happens not because of saliva breaking them down, but due to the abrasive motion of chewing (Image: Canva)

You know that plastic is everywhere, from food packaging to clothes and even household items. But would you ever think that your chewing gum could be a source of microplastics? According to a study presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 Meeting, chewing gum may release hundreds to thousands of microplastics into saliva, which could then be swallowed.

Here’s what the research found and how you can reduce your exposure:

Chewing gum might contain more plastic:

Many gum brands use synthetic rubber bases, which are made from petroleum-based polymers, essentially, plastic. Even natural gums, made from plant-based materials like chicle, were found to release microplastics when chewed. Researchers discovered that a single piece of gum could shed up to 3,000 microplastic particles, potentially increasing a person’s annual microplastic consumption by tens of thousands of particles.

The first minutes: The study found that most microplastics detach from gum within the first two minutes of chewing. This happens not because of saliva breaking them down, but due to the abrasive motion of chewing. By the eight-minute mark, nearly 94 percent of the microplastics had already been released. This suggests that chewing one piece for longer instead of frequently replacing gum could help minimise exposure.

Microplastics are both in synthetic and natural gums: The researchers found similar amounts of microplastics in both synthetic and natural gum varieties. They also identified the same types of plastic polymers, including polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenes—materials commonly found in plastic packaging and textiles.

The long-term impact: While studies on animals and human cells suggest that microplastics could be harmful, their full effects on human health remain unclear. “Our goal is not to alarm anybody,” says Sanjay Mohanty, lead researcher and engineering professor at UCLA, in a press release. “But we know we are exposed to plastics in everyday life, and that’s what we wanted to examine here.”

How to reduce exposure:

If you’re concerned about ingesting microplastics from chewing gum, consider these simple steps; Chew one piece for longer instead of frequently replacing it. Opt for gum alternatives like mints or fresh herbs. Lastly, dispose of gum properly, as the discarded gum can contribute to environmental plastic pollution.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.