Chewing Gum Releases Up To 3,000 Microplastics In Your Mouth, Study Finds

Chewing gum may seem like a harmless habit, but a new UCLA-led study has found that it could be exposing users to thousands of microplastic particles within minutes. 

The research, presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring meeting in March 2025, shows that both synthetic and natural chewing gums can release significant amounts of microplastics into saliva—raising new concerns about everyday exposure to these potentially harmful particles.

Chewing gums are typically made from a rubbery base, sweeteners, flavorings, and other additives. Natural gum products use a plant-based polymer—such as chicle or other tree sap—to achieve their chewy texture, while others rely on synthetic rubber bases made from petroleum-based polymers.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, tested ten brands of chewing gum—five synthetic and five natural—and found that all released microplastics. A single piece of gum released an average of 100 microplastics per gram; however, some released as much as 600 microplastics per gram. Larger gums could shed up to 3,000 plastic particles, with about 94% of them released within just eight minutes of chewing.

The types of plastic identified included polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polystyrene—materials commonly found in packaging and single-use plastics.

“Our initial hypothesis was that the synthetic gums would have a lot more microplastics because the base is a type of plastic,” Lisa Lowe, an undergraduate intern at UCLA who started the project, said in a press release.

“Surprisingly, both synthetic and natural gums had similar amounts of microplastics released when we chewed them.” 

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, often created when larger plastic items break down or are used in products like cosmetics. They’ve been found in water, food, and even the air, raising concerns about their impact on health and the environment.

The study involved placing gum samples in artificial saliva and simulating the chewing process, followed by particle analysis using Raman spectroscopy. Researchers estimate that frequent gum chewers could be ingesting tens of thousands of plastic particles annually.

While the long-term health impact of microplastic ingestion remains unclear, scientists are increasingly concerned about their potential to cause health issues. To reduce potential microplastic exposure from gum, Lowe recommends chewing a single piece for longer rather than reaching for a new piece. 

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute medical professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Visit the disclaimer link for more details: www.biohackyourself.com/termsanddisclaimers.