Defining your jawline is one of the newest beauty trends right now. Different products and techniques have claimed to be able to do just this. However, most of these trends will likely not change your jawline’s shape.
Some of the popular trends that claim to help shape or define your jawline include:
- Jawline exercises, such as mewing
- Massaging your face
- Jawline shapers
- Chewing gum
- Surgical and non-surgical procedures
Why Doesn’t Chewing Gum Help Shape Your Jawline?
While some claim chewing gum can help shape your jawline, no scientific evidence supports this idea.
Chewing gum doesn’t help define your jawline because your jawline is determined by genetics.1 So even if you chew gum all day long, it will not make a difference in how your jawline looks.
Undefined jawlines may also result from fat deposits around the jawline. Fat can accumulate when you gain weight, resulting in a “double chin.” This causes your jawline to appear softer.
However, chewing gum won’t help reduce fat since it doesn’t burn enough calories. One study even showed that chewing gum could lead you to eat larger meals.2
Can Chewing Gum Help Make Your Jaw Stronger?
A few studies have looked into the effects of chewing gum on your jaw’s strength.
For instance, one 2018 study looked at the effects of chewing gum on the masticatory system’s development.3 The study states, “gum chewing exercise could be effective in improving masticatory performance, especially in individuals with dolicho facial type.”
Another study found that chewing gum improves swallowing and feeding functions.4 When chewing gum, the tongue muscle and buccinator work to keep the gum between the upper and lower molars during chewing. This helps improve overall oral function.
Chewing exercises also help promote masticatory function in young children. A 2012 study showed preschool children’s maximum bite force (MBF) improved after a 4 week chewing exercise.5
While these studies show that chewing gum can strengthen your jaw muscles, they don’t prove that it can help define your jawline.
Risks and Side Effects of Chewing Gum for “Exercise”
Although chewing gum has been shown to strengthen your jaw muscles, it comes with risks. These risks include:
Regular Headaches
Daily gum chewing may be associated with chronic headaches. One study showed that 19 out of 30 participants reported headache resolution after stopping daily gum chewing.6
The act of chewing causes tension in the head, leading to headaches. You’re using your jaws to move food through your mouth, which requires a lot of muscle effort. This activity can also tighten facial muscles over time, which can cause headaches.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is caused by misalignment of the temporomandibular joint. It’s common among adults who use their teeth and jaws for repetitive tasks like eating, talking, and working. This condition may also cause jaw clicking and jaw popping.
Digestive Issues
Some people report digestive issues such as heartburn or stomach cramps after chewing gum. Some people also report feeling bloated after chewing gum.
These side effects are due to the sugar content in most gums. Sugar can draw water into the large intestine, causing gas and bloating.
How to Enhance Your Jawline
If you’re looking to enhance your jawline, you can try some of these effective methods:
Exercise and Diet
You can increase your jawline definition by exercising and dieting properly. While it’s impossible to spot reduce fat, regular exercise and proper nutrition will help you reduce excess body fat. Over time, this will make your jaw look more defined.
Botox and other “Fillers”
Botox and other fillers are popular injectable treatments that help shape your face.
A Botox treatment helps relax your masseter muscles and reduce your jawline’s size. On the other hand, fillers can shape your jawline through injections of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other similar ingredients.
Injectables are temporary solutions. After a few months, your face will return to its original state. Regular treatment is required to maintain results.
Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid)
Kybella is an injectable treatment that targets moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat). The active ingredient in Kybella is deoxycholic acid, which breaks down fat cells. You can expect visible results around 4 to 6 weeks after receiving the treatment.
Thread Lifts
Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten the skin on the neck and jawline. These threads are placed under the skin and stimulate collagen production. Thread lifts have been shown to last 18 months or longer.
Surgical Options
Surgery offers a more permanent yet invasive way to shape your jawline. Popular surgical options for defining your jawline include:
- Chin augmentation. Involves inserting an implant or removing fat from your chin area
- Neck lift. Corrects and eliminates visible signs of aging on your neck
- Neck liposuction. Helps address and remove fatty deposits on your neck
- Fat grafting. Involves taking fat from another part of the body to shape your jawline
- Facial implants. Implants made of medical silicon are inserted into your jawline for definition
- Orthognathic surgery. A surgical procedure that realigns your upper and lower jawbones
Remember to consult a professional before making cosmetic changes to your appearance. This helps ensure that you avoid complications and achieve your desired results.
Summary
Chewing gum is a popular yet ineffective method to shape your jawline. It does not break down fat cells or permanently change your jawline’s appearance. Consider losing weight or investing in cosmetic procedures if you want a more defined jawline.
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