Mastic gum’s antibacterial, antiplaque & antifungal benefits explained

Chios mastic gum is a natural antimicrobial backed by clinical studies: it reduces oral bacteria¹²³⁴, slows plaque formation⁵⁶, and shows antifungal activity⁷. These effects help protect teeth and gums and may lower the risk of oral infections.

Antibacterial: reduces oral bacteria linked to decay

Chios mastic gum is a powerhouse when it comes to antibacterial activity. Mastic gum has shown that it can reduce the total number of bacteria in saliva, as seen by comparing the amount of bacteria in subjects’ saliva samples before and after chewing mastic gum¹²³⁴.

Antibacterial properties are characteristics of a substance that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They help maintain a healthy balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and fighting off bad bacteria. Stopping the spread of harmful bacteria is essential when it comes to preventing illness, disease, and infection.

Honey, garlic, and ginger are some of the best antibacterial foods to consume, while herbs like thyme and oregano also rank highly for their antibacterial activity.

In a 2003 study published by the Journal of Periodontology¹, two double-blind randomized studies were conducted to test the potential health benefits of chewing mastic gum. The first test investigated the inhibitory effect that it has on bacteria found in saliva. Saliva samples from the group chewing mastic gum showed a significant reduction in the number of bacterial colonies compared to the group chewing placebo gum. From these results, researchers suggested that mastic played a highly beneficial role in decreasing bacterial growth in saliva.

A 2007 controlled clinical trial² examined the antibacterial activity of chewing mastic gum against salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria. After 15 minutes of chewing, researchers noted a significant decrease of total bacteria. After 135 minutes, significantly fewer levels of salivary bacteria were recorded in the group that chewed mastic gum compared to a placebo. The researchers concluded that chewing mastic gum could be useful in potential prevention of caries lesions (tooth decay).

A 2009 study group³ assessed the potential antibacterial activity of Pistacia lentiscus resin. They discovered that Chios mastic showed selective antibacterial action against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella melaninogenica, two types of pathogenic bacteria that can cause gum disease (periodontitis) and oral infections. From these findings, the group notes the potential oral health benefits of mastic gum.

In 2013⁴, the potential antibacterial effects of mastic gum were examined against the most common aerobic oral bacteria, with emphasis on oral streptococci. Subjects were randomly assigned to chew mastic gum for 45 minutes, with their mouth washes collected before and after chewing mastic gum. In the end, the total bacterial count was found to be significantly reduced for staphylococci, Neisseria, and oral streptococci.

Antiplaque: limits plaque buildup and supports gum health

In addition to the antibacterial properties of Pistacia lentiscus resin it also possesses antiplaque properties that help keep the mouth periodontally healthy.

Antiplaque properties help prevent the formation and/or reduce the buildup of plaque on teeth. The formation and buildup of plaque make it easier for additional debris to accumulate in the mouth, which can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.

These types of harmful bacteria produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, which is the strongest natural protection our teeth have. Our bodies cannot repair or regrow tooth enamel, making it essential to protect and maintain it; failure to do so can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Trials in 1985 and 1986⁵⁶ showed that systematic use of Chios mastic gum could significantly reduce the amount of forming and/or already formed dental plaque. After 10 days of use, the group chewing mastic gum showed a large reduction in microbial plaque compared to the placebo. Researchers were satisfied with the potential that mastic had in preventing dental caries, periodontal disorders, and oral cavity conditions.

The second test conducted in the Journal of Periodontology’s 2003 study¹ examined the effects of Chios mastic on de novo plaque formation on tooth surfaces and gingival inflammation. The results showed significant reductions in the plaque index and gingival index for the mastic gum group compared to the placebo. From their findings, the researchers note that chewing mastic gum could be a useful antiplaque agent to reduce plaque formation on teeth.

Antifungal: keeps Candida and other oral fungi in check

Along with tooth decay and cavities, oral bacteria can cause gum infections, gum disease, and halitosis (bad breath). But it’s not the only thing we have to look out for. Although less common, oral fungi can lead to an array of problems if left unchecked.

While conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis are more common knowledge, lesser-known issues such as oral thrush can also develop without proper oral hygiene. Oral thrush (aka oral candidiasis) is an oral fungal infection that occurs when the yeast fungus Candida albicans builds up inside the mouth.

While symptoms of gum issues may be easier to identify due to their symptoms (e.g. pain, bleeding, swelling), other oral problems may not be as easy to identify. For general oral health or even issues like oral candidiasis, you can do a quick tongue test. Check your tongue for a healthy reddish-pink color. If your tongue is white or even yellowish, this may be a sign to start taking more care with your oral hygiene.

Miscoloration of the tongue can be caused by the accumulation of bacteria or fungi, which can potentially lead to more serious oral conditions in the future if not taken care of.

Oral antifungal properties are traits that prevent the development of and/or reduce the existing amount of fungi in the mouth. Just like the abundant growth of bacteria and buildup of plaque, the accumulation of fungal growth can lead to oral infections and oral diseases.

A comparative study from 1999⁷ examined different plant extracts to investigate their potential antifungal activity against three types of dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton violaceum): a type of fungi that causes infections in humans and animals. They discovered that Chios mastiha inhibited the colony growth of all three dermatophytes by 90-100%. When discussing their findings, researchers highlighted Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia for its high antifungal activity and grouped it with the other plants they determined to be an important source of antifungal compounds against dermatophytic infections in humans.

Beyond oral health: H. pylori and jaw strength

Thanks to its potent antimicrobial activity, the use of mastic gum boasts incredible potential when it comes to oral health benefits. It contains antibacterial, antiplaque, and antifungal properties, which all help to maintain optimal health and wellness. These attributes make mastic gum very effective in fighting off harmful microorganisms and preventing their initial growth.

But it doesn’t stop there. While mastic is extremely effective at preventing bacterial growth in the mouth, it also offers gut health benefits (against Helicobacter pylori and h. pylori infection)) and jaw benefits (like enhanced jaw strength and jawbone density).

Given the proven benefits of mastic gum and the positive impact of Greece’s mastic tree resin, why wouldn’t you want to supplement your health with this Mediterranean region treasure?

We bring the Greek island of Chios to you. Start your journey here: