Chewing Gum Releases Microplastics Into Saliva – Even Natural Gums Are Not Safe, Study Finds

In a surprising new discovery, researchers have found that chewing gum may be a hidden source of microplastic exposure. A pilot study presented at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2025 meeting reveals that both synthetic and so-called "natural" chewing gums can release hundreds to thousands of microplastic particles into human saliva during regular chewing.

This breakthrough study was led by scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who found that the simple act of chewing a single piece of gum can release up to 3,000 microplastic particles into the mouth—depending on the gum's composition, brand, and size. This adds chewing gum to the growing list of everyday consumer products that may contribute to microplastic ingestion.

What Are Microplastics and Why Do They Matter?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They come from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items and the shedding of synthetic materials. In recent years, microplastics have been detected in oceans, drinking water, food, and even human blood and organs.

While the long-term health effects of microplastics are still being researched, scientists are increasingly concerned about their potential to cause inflammation, disrupt hormones, and damage organs. Because these particles do not biodegrade, they can accumulate in the body over time.

Chewing Gum: A Surprising Microplastic Source

According to the UCLA study, microplastics are not only found in plastic bottles or synthetic clothing—they are also hiding in products many people consume daily, including chewing gum. The research, led by Professor Sanjay Mohanty, revealed that chewing gum made with synthetic polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene sheds particles due to the mechanical force of chewing. Enzymes in saliva do not break down these plastics. Instead, chewing action physically loosens the particles from the gum base.

Even more surprising was the finding that natural gums performed no better. Though often marketed as cleaner or safer alternatives, natural gums were also shown to release microplastic-like particles during chewing. This suggests that the definition of “natural” in gum products may be misleading or that even natural substances may be treated with or exposed to plastic materials during manufacturing.

What Can Consumers Do to Reduce Exposure?

While researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to fully understand the health impacts of ingesting microplastics, they recommend minimizing unnecessary exposure whenever possible. For gum lovers, this doesn’t necessarily mean giving up chewing gum altogether. Instead, consider these practical tips:

• Chew less frequently: Reduce how often you chew gum throughout the day.

• Chew longer per piece: Instead of switching to a fresh piece every hour, try chewing each piece for longer durations.

• Look for alternative products: Research brands that use truly biodegradable or plastic-free gum bases (though be aware that labeling can be misleading).

• Support transparent brands: Choose companies that disclose full ingredient lists and manufacturing processes.

A Wake-Up Call for the Gum Industry?

This study is not just a wake-up call for consumers, but also for manufacturers and regulatory bodies. With growing awareness of plastic pollution and its presence in the human body, this research puts pressure on the chewing gum industry to innovate and move toward safer, non-plastic alternatives.

Professor Mohanty and his team are continuing to study the long-term implications of microplastic exposure from various consumer products. Until then, being informed and making conscious choices is the best step individuals can take to protect their health.

Final Thoughts

Microplastics are now a recognized threat to human health and the environment, and their presence in something as seemingly innocent as chewing gum underscores how widespread the issue has become. Whether you’re an occasional gum chewer or a daily user, this study offers an important reminder: it’s time to rethink the products we put in our mouths and demand better transparency from manufacturers.