Is mastic gum safe?

While mastic gum boasts numerous potential benefits, including those related to oral and gut health as well as jaw definition (more on those benefits here), some may wonder whether mastic gum is entirely safe for consumption.

In this article, we dive into the safety aspects of chewing mastic gum, highlighting any precautions you should consider before incorporating it into your routine.

Mastic gum is the resinous sap of mastic trees found on the Mediterranean island of Chios, Greece.

While mastic gum is generally considered safe for consumption—and linked to a variety of benefits such as helping to reduce heartburn, supporting testosterone production, aiding in tooth health, and normalizing total cholesterol levels—there are a few precautions people should keep in mind before beginning to use mastic gum. (You can learn more about these mastic gum uses in this article).¹²‌³⁴

Some possible concerns surrounding the use of mastic chewing gum include damage to teeth fillings or worries about overworking the jaw, such as experiencing soreness or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms.

If you chew mastic gum regularly, pay attention to how your jaw feels and remain aware of the effects of your chewing habits on the overall health of your mouth. Overworking the jaw muscles from excessive chewing can possibly contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, causing discomfort and pain in the jaw, although mastic gum is generally safe when used correctly.

To avoid jaw pain caused by chewing mastic gum, it's recommended to chew the gum in moderation (if you're just starting out, we suggest about 20 minutes daily) and to take breaks between chewing sessions to allow the jaw muscles to rest (more of these tips below).

Potential side effects and risks of mastic gum

While mastic gum is considered generally safe for human consumption and unlikely to cause side effects. However, there's always a possibility for some people to experience mild side effects when they chew it, especially when using it for the first time or for long periods of time.²

Over time, your mouth, teeth, and body adjust to mastic gum, but at first, some mild and temporary symptoms might occur that usually aren't cause for concern. This is the same situation as when introducing any new dietary supplements to your routine, as they can take time to acclimate to.

Possible side effects that mastic gum can cause include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: This can include bloating or indigestion, typically which resolves on its own within a couple of weeks as the body adjusts to the nutrients and effects of the gum.

  Digestive side effects due to mastic gum can be caused by the dozens of different antioxidants and other compounds found naturally within the gum.

  More than 100 antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as essential oils, have been identified in mastic tree resin, including those that function as prebiotics and affect the growth of probiotics and healthy microbes in the gut.¹²

  Side effects can also potentially be caused by the impact of chewing mastic gum on digestion, which can include increased saliva and increased production of digestive enzymes and stomach acids that occur when chewing takes place.

  While mastic gum can potentially cause mild digestive upset, over the long term, it has positive effects on stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and susceptibility to h. pylori infection, and even colon cancer risk.‌⁴

• Soreness of the jaw and mouth: These symptoms are caused by the pressure and tension the jaw muscles experience when they chew mastic gum (this is usually a good thing and is responsible for mastic gum's ability to improve the appearance of the jawline).⁵

  TMJ symptoms caused by mastic gum are more likely to occur in people with a history of TMJ who already have a sensitive jaw or among those who chew mastic gum very regularly and for long periods of time without taking breaks.

• Damage to dental work: This can include damage to weak tooth fillings that are susceptible to breakage. Mastic gum itself does not contain added sugar or artificial ingredients that contribute to cavities and tooth decay; however, chewing gum has the potential to disrupt fillings and partially damage them.

Generally speaking, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, including mastic gum. This is especially important for people with pre-existing medical conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, teeth, and gut since mastic gum can have effects on these body parts.

Additionally, if you take medications for digestive issues such as heartburn, gastritis, high glucose levels, ulcers caused by h.pylori, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease, for fertility, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, get your doctor's advice before starting to chew mastic gum regularly.

Is mastic gum damaging to teeth or dental work?

One common concern among chewers of mastic gum is whether chewing the gum can damage teeth fillings or dental work.

While chewing just about any type of gum, in general, can stress dental work, such as fillings or crowns, mastic gum's consistency is different than traditional chewing gums.

The biggest difference between mastic gum and others gums in the softness and consistency. Mastic gum can be much tougher to chew than regular gum, up to 10x harder in some cases. Since mastic is a natural product, its "toughness" changes depending on freshness and the size of pieces. Medium to large gum tears when fresh are generally softer than small tears or "droplets." Therefore, it's best to start with medium to large tears if you're concerned about damaging your teeth.

Some people with extensive dental work and sensitive teeth may still want to exercise caution and consult with their dentist before using mastic gum regularly. While mastic gum won't cause damage to most chewer's teeth, it is still a possibility, especially if the gum is chewed extensively.

Can mastic gum cause allergic reactions?

Some people with nut allergies have concerns about chewing Chico's mastic gum because they worry that the mastic tree is related to the pistachio tree or other nut trees that can trigger allergies.

Can mastic gum cause allergies? Usually, the answer is no.

According to the Mastic Research Center, mastic gum is free from allergens, including pistachios and nuts, and is also processed in an allergen-free environment. The reason there’s confusion about mastic gum causing allergies is that the name of the mastic tree (pistacia lentiscus) sounds like it’s related to the pistachio tree—yet it isn’t.

The Mastic Research Center emphasizes that there is no connection between mastic gum and nuts, including pistachios. Therefore, people with pistachio allergies can safely consume mastic gum without worrying about allergic reactions.

How long is it safe to chew mastic gum?

When it comes to the ideal amount of time to chew mastic gum, it all depends on your goals and reaction to the gum.

Below are general guidelines for how long to chew mastic gum to help define your jawline, improve oral health, and more:

Q: How long should you chew mastic gum?
A: For about thirty minutes at a time.

Q: How often should you chew?
A: Up to three times a day but once per day to start.

Q: How many pieces should you chew?
A: Eight to ten droplets, or three to five nuggets.

For example, if oral health is your primary goal, try chewing eight to ten droplets, or one to three nuggets, after dinner for about fifteen to twenty minutes.

This is enough time for you to absorb the beneficial mastic oil, benefitting from its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. If you react to this amount of chewing positively, you can try chewing more frequently or for longer, such as for benefits like chiseling the jawline or managing ulcers.

Tips to help you chew mastic gum safely

Overall, you want to make sure to start using mastic gum slowly and then increase your chewing time gradually, which will limit the risk of side effects.

• Begin gradually: Start with a small piece of mastic gum to avoid straining your jaw.
• Control duration: Initially, limit chewing to short periods, gradually extending the time up to 30+ minutes to prevent overexertion and jaw pain.
• Alternate sides of your mouth: You can alternate chewing sides to help ensure that all molars are engaged, promoting the distribution of botanical benefits, enamel remineralization, and balanced saliva flow without too much pressure on one side of your mouth.
• Maintain proper tongue posture: Keep your tongue pressed against your palate while chewing to evenly distribute force and lessen the strain on your jaw
• Pay close attention to your jaw during and after chewing. Any discomfort, pain, or fatigue could indicate overexertion. If these symptoms persist or worsen, lessen your chewing time or seek professional health advice (either a dentist or myofunctional therapist).

One more thing to mention: make sure you’re chewing the highest quality mastic gum possible by ensuring the gum is from the Greek island of Chios, the only place where real, unsweetened, nutrient-rich mastic gum is harvested. Once you open the tin of gum, store it in a cool, dry place and try to chew it within about one year for the greatest results.

Conclusion: is chewing mastic gum safe?

Chios mastic gum is generally safe for consumption and offers numerous potential health benefits for the jawline, mouth, gut, and more.

However, it's still wise to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your wellness routine, especially if you have had extensive dental work, a sensitive jaw or damaged teeth, or pre-existing medical conditions.

By following proper usage guidelines and being mindful of any potential side effects (such as stomach pain or mouth and jaw soreness), the majority of people can enjoy the benefits of mastic gum safely and effectively.

Interested in learning more about mastic gum’s benefits and uses? Explore these articles discussing its effectiveness against Helicobacter pylori, its rich concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds that help combat dyspepsia and peptic ulcers, and its potent antibacterial activity that promote tooth and oral health.

This article originally appeared online in 2024; it was most recently updated on June 29, 2024, to include current information.

Jillian Levy

Jillian Levy is a seasoned health writer and certified health coach with a decade of experience crafting informative content for leading health, wellness, and personal development brands.

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