Chewing gum has long been the go-to fix for bad breath, boredom, or staying awake in long meetings. But according to new research, your favorite minty treat might come with an unexpected side effect: a mouthful of microplastics.
Yes, you read that right. That innocent stick of gum could be coating your mouth with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of microscopic plastic particles, every single time you chew.
What the Study Found
Researchers at UCLA presented findings at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2025 meeting showing that gum may be an overlooked source of microplastic exposure.
In the experiment, one brave volunteer chewed ten different gum brands—five synthetic and five labeled “natural.” After four minutes of chewing each piece, researchers collected and analyzed saliva samples.
Here’s what they discovered:
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Each gram of gum released about 100 microplastics into saliva
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Some released up to 600 particles per gram
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Since a regular gum stick weighs 2 to 6 grams, one piece could release up to 3,000 microplastic bits
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An average gum-chewer could ingest up to 30,000 plastic particles per year, just from gum
“We’re not here to scare anyone,” said Dr. Sanjay Mohanty, lead researcher on the study. “But most people have no idea their gum habit could be contributing to daily plastic intake.”
But… Natural Gum Is Safe, Right?
Unfortunately, not really. The study found little difference between synthetic and “natural” gum when it came to microplastic release. Researchers suggest contamination during processing, ingredient sourcing, or packaging might be the culprit.
So yes—even that eco-friendly gum you switched to for a “cleaner” experience? It might still be adding plastic to your system.
Should You Be Worried About Microplastics?
Microplastics have already been found in human lungs, bloodstreams, breast milk, and even placentas. While long-term effects in humans are still being studied, animal research has linked microplastics to:
- Inflammation
- Hormone disruption
- Gut microbiome changes
- Potential reproductive and developmental issues
And since gum is chewed, not digested, you might assume it’s harmless. But those tiny plastic particles mix with saliva and are swallowed, entering your digestive tract with nowhere else to go.
What Can You Do Instead?
You don’t have to say goodbye to fresh breath—just rethink how you get it.
Try these instead:
- Fennel seeds or clove pods (a traditional Indian remedy)
- Sugar-free mints
- Natural mouth rinses with mint or neem
- Hydration – water helps naturally cleanse the mouth
Or better yet, save the chewing for actual food.
Final Thoughts
We’ve gotten used to checking food labels and reducing plastic use in our homes—but gum has flown under the radar for years.
Now, with the data out in the open, it’s time to ask: Is that minty moment worth the microplastic?
