Fitness Gum: Why Your Dentist Thinks You Should Skip This Trend
October 8, 2024 9:00 amThe internet is buzzing with a new fitness fad called “fitness gum,” which claims to help shape and define your jawline. Promoted heavily on TikTok, this trend has many users chewing rock-hard gum for extended periods to achieve a sharper look. But here’s the catch: dentists are sounding the alarm, and not without reason. While fitness gum might seem harmless, it could put your dental health at serious risk.
What Exactly is Fitness Gum?
Fitness gum is marketed as a way to “work out” your jaw by chewing an extra-dense product that’s significantly tougher than your average piece of gum. The idea is to strengthen the masseter muscles, which run along the sides of your jaw, supposedly giving you that defined, chiseled look. Unfortunately, these promises are misleading. Instead of a sculpted jawline, you might end up with a cracked tooth or a sore jaw.
Risks to Your Teeth: More Harm Than Good
Chewing gum that’s this hard isn’t just a workout for your jaw—it’s also a workout your teeth didn’t sign up for! The excessive pressure needed to chew fitness gum can wear down enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. Even worse, it can cause tiny fractures or cracks in your teeth. These cracks might start out small, but over time, they can develop into bigger problems that require crowns or even root canals to repair. The repair costs alone could be far greater than any potential benefit from a supposed jawline workout.
TMJ Issues and Jaw Pain
Besides damaging your teeth, the repeated, forceful chewing can also strain your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. The TMJ is a delicate joint, and overusing it can lead to chronic issues like pain, stiffness, headaches, and jaw popping. In severe cases, you may even experience lockjaw, making it difficult to open and close your mouth comfortably. Treating these disorders is often complex and may require long-term therapy or even surgery.
No Shortcuts for Jawline Definition
If you’re looking to improve your facial appearance, a balanced diet and regular exercise are much safer approaches. There’s no magic product that can change the shape of your jawbone, and no gum—no matter how tough—will give you that defined look by itself. Your dentist’s advice? Skip the fitness gum and focus on healthy habits instead.
Guidance from Family Dentistry of Euless in Euless, TX
Before jumping into the latest dental trend, always seek professional advice. At Family Dentistry of Euless, Dr. Jeff Davis encourages patients to be cautious with these “quick-fix” hacks that could damage your smile. If you’re worried about your jaw health or have questions about safe dental practices, give the office a call today. Protect your smile—it’s not worth risking it for a trend!
Categorized in: Dental Tips
