Are you unwrapping a secret source of microplastic exposure daily?

Chewing gum seems like a harmless activity.

I mean, it’s sold at every checkout counter, chewed by millions daily, and even marketed as a sugar-free, smile-friendly habit.

That’s why I’ve never given gum much thought—after all, it’s better than smoking or drinking soda, right?

But a new study just pulled the wrapper off what might be one of the most surprising sources of microplastic exposure in your daily life.

And once you learn what’s really in your gum, you may never chew another piece again.

A secret source of plastic

Researchers tested 10 different commercial brand chewing gums—five synthetic and five so-called “natural” varieties.

Each gum was chewed by a participant for two to 20 minutes before having their saliva analyzed in the lab.

And get this…

A single gram of chewing gum might release up to 637 microplastic particles into the mouth—typically within just eight minutes of chewing.

Even more shocking? There was no meaningful difference between synthetic and “natural” varieties! (This is just another example of Big Food’s favorite marketing ploy.)

In fact, each brand of gum released similar levels of microplastics, the biggest culprit being polyolefin—a plastic found in packaging, socks, cling wrap, athletic wear, and furniture.

(Let that sink in: while you’re chewing away, you’re also dosing your body with the same plastic found in shopping bags and Tupperware. Yikes!)

Rethink your “trivial” habit

Now, you already know how I feel about plastic.

I try to limit my exposure at every turn—because these substances don’t just pass through us harmlessly. They accumulate. They interfere with hormones. And over time, they can wreak havoc on your metabolism, immune system, and even your brain.

So, while chewing gum might seem trivial, it’s yet another daily habit that’s quietly contributing to your toxic load.

Microplastics are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the personal care products we use… and now, you can add your favorite chewing gum to that list.

The good news? This is one area of exposure that’s easy to avoid. It might just take a little extra perseverance.

If you’re used to popping gum after meals or during stressful moments, work on breaking the habit. Your mouth—and your microplastic burden—will thank you.

In the end, my goal when reporting on these studies is to help you (and myself) be aware of just how often we come into contact with these potentially deadly substances. I hope you’ll join me in trying to avoid them as much as possible.

In the meantime, maybe I need a new hashtag: #GumKillz

Source:

“Chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva, pilot study finds.” EurekAlert!, 03/25/25. (eurekalert.org/news-releases/1076910)