In the realm of TikTok fitness trends where “hot girl walks” and “biohacking” dominate, a new fad has emerged that health experts warn could have serious consequences: young men chewing rock-hard gum to achieve a chiseled jawline.
Dr. John Callahan, president of the American Association of Orthodontists, expressed significant concerns about the trend, cautioning against DIY methods that promise to alter facial structure without professional supervision. In a statement to USA TODAY, Dr. Callahan emphasized the potential for unintended and irreversible consequences: “Do-it-yourself or direct-to-consumer products that claim to ‘change’ facial structure without the active supervision of a doctor have the potential for unintended, irreversible consequences.”
Despite its popularity on social media, the effectiveness of chewing extra-hard gum for jawline definition lacks scientific backing and may pose risks to oral health. Experts argue that while the practice might strengthen the masseter muscles responsible for chewing, it won’t necessarily sculpt a more defined jawline or reduce facial fat as claimed by proponents.
Dr. James Q. Swift, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, explained, “Constant chewing can make the masseter muscle bigger, giving a ‘robot’ or squared look, but it won’t reduce the fat around the face to create more definition in the jawline.” He emphasized that the shape of the jawline is primarily determined by the bone structure one is born with, not by muscle strength.
Dr. Edmond R. Hewlett, a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, echoed these concerns, stating, “It’s your lower jaw that’s going to define the shape of your jaw. Working that muscle will not change the actual jawbone.”
The most prominent brand associated with this trend, Jawliner, recommends chewing their gum for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes every other day. However, TikTok influencers endorsing the product often disregard these guidelines, promoting prolonged and intense chewing routines.
For instance, @carsonteagarden, a TikTok user with a substantial following, documented his gum-chewing regimen in sponsored content, emphasizing its daily integration into his routine. Despite attempts to reach out for comment, @carsonteagarden did not respond to USA TODAY’s inquiries.
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Beyond aesthetic concerns, health professionals are particularly worried about the potential for physical harm. Dr. Swift highlighted the risks of tooth wear and breakage associated with forceful chewing, stating, “If a device was that hard, you could generate enough force with your jaws to break teeth.”
Moreover, the repetitive and forceful action of chewing hard gum can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), causing symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing or clicking sounds in the jaw joint. Dr. Swift noted that severe TMJ issues may require surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms.
Despite claims to the contrary on Jawliner’s website, stating their products do not cause TMJ dysfunction, concerns persist among experts regarding the potential risks associated with aggressive jawline-enhancing techniques.
Ultimately, health experts advise caution and consultation with medical professionals before attempting new fitness or wellness trends. Dr. Hewlett emphasized the importance of seeking informed guidance for oral health concerns: “It’s ‘buyer beware.’ When folks have a question about their oral health, it’s best to see a dentist and get trained and knowledgeable answers.”
