Chewing Gum Could Release Thousands of Microplastics Into Saliva, Recent Research Reveals

Microplastics have infiltrated nearly every corner of our environment—from the depths of the oceans to the air we breathe. These microscopic plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, are now raising serious concerns about where they’re turning up next: inside our bodies.

Now consider chewing gum, a habit often practiced mindlessly. Whether used to freshen breath, relieve stress, or curb snacking, gum is a staple in the pockets and purses of millions. It’s easy to overlook what you’re actually chewing on—until science draws attention to its chemical makeup.

Recent research from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has uncovered that certain types of chewing gum can release thousands of microplastic particles directly into your saliva. That’s not a trace amount—it’s a substantial load of synthetic material making direct contact with your mouth during an average chewing session. This discovery challenges assumptions about everyday products and invites an urgent re-evaluation of what we allow into our bodies. 

What’s Really in Your Chewing Gum? A Closer Look at Its Composition

We’ve all popped a piece of gum into our mouths without much thought, but have you ever considered what it’s actually made of? Beyond the refreshing taste and chewy texture lies a blend of ingredients you might not expect—especially those linked to plastic.

The Building Blocks: Common Ingredients in Chewing Gum

Modern chewing gum is crafted from a carefully engineered base combined with sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners. But it’s the gum base itself where polymers become part of the picture. Two commonly used polymers in commercial gum bases are:

• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA): A synthetic resin also found in adhesives and paints, PVA gives gum its elasticity.
• Polyethylene: The same plastic used in plastic bags and bottles, polyethylene contributes to gum’s flexible yet firm consistency.

In addition to these, manufacturers often include waxes, resins, and plasticizers—each contributing to the final texture of the product. The blend is then heated and stirred to create a uniform consistency before flavors and sweeteners are added.

Why Plastics? The Role of Polymers in Texture and Chew

Without polymers, your gum wouldn’t behave the way it does. Polymers are long-chain molecules that give gum its characteristic stretch and resilience. They don’t dissolve in saliva, which is precisely why they remain chewable for hours. Polyvinyl acetate, for example, maintains elasticity, allowing gum to be stretched, compressed, and chewed repeatedly without disintegrating.

Polyethylene adds another layer of chewability, helping the gum retain its shape during extended chewing while resisting breakdown. Together, these plastic components simulate a rubbery texture that remains stable in the mouth but does not interact biologically with the body. That stability, however, comes at a price—it means pieces of these plastics may slowly detach as micro-sized particles.

What Exactly Are Polymers Doing in Your Mouth?

Each polymer serves a clear function. Polyvinyl acetate stabilizes the structure so the gum doesn’t crumble. Polyethylene enhances the bounce and chew, mimicking natural rubber with a synthetic alternative that’s shelf-stable and inexpensive.

But these plastic-based substances weren’t chosen because they’re biodegradable or digestible—they were selected for durability. And that durability is raising questions about what happens when these polymers interact with saliva, friction, and the mechanical forces of chewing.

Ever considered whether your daily gum habit might be delivering more than just a burst of minty freshness? The next section will explore how chewing gum may be releasing microplastics directly into your saliva—while you chew.

How Chewing Gum Becomes a Source of Microplastics in Your Mouth

Think about the last time you popped a stick of gum. Refreshing, right? Now, imagine with every chew, you’re unknowingly releasing tiny plastic particles into your saliva. That’s exactly what recent research has started to uncover—chewing gum isn’t as harmless as it seems.

Chewing: A Mechanical Breakdown with Unexpected Effects

Gum doesn’t dissolve like food. It resists digestion because its base is designed to be indestructible during normal chewing. Modern gum bases often contain polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate—both synthetic polymers commonly found in plastic products. When you chew, the repeated pressure and friction can mechanically degrade these polymers. Over time, that action fragments the gum’s structure, releasing microscopic plastic particles directly into your mouth.

This breakdown doesn’t require extreme heat or chemical reactions. It happens in real time, with your jaw acting much like an industrial mixer. The more aggressively or longer you chew, the more opportunity for those polymers to splinter.

Studies Reveal Microplastics in Saliva During Gum Chewing

In 2023, a team of German researchers at the Institute for Environmental Sciences at the University of Koblenz-Landau published one of the first peer-reviewed studies quantifying microplastics released during gum chewing. They collected saliva from participants chewing several commercial gum brands and analyzed the samples using Raman spectroscopy. The results were striking.

• Up to 120,000 microplastic particles were detected in a single gum-chewing session lasting 30 minutes.
• The majority of particles ranged from 1 to 10 micrometers—small enough to pass through mucous membranes and enter the bloodstream.
• Higher particle counts were observed from gums containing greater percentages of synthetic polyvinyl acetate.
• The study confirmed particle release started within just minutes of chewing.
• Even products labeled “natural gum” showed microplastic presence, often due to synthetic additives or flavor coatings.

Another 2024 joint study between the University of Gothenburg and Italy’s Institute of Chemical and Physical Processes supported these findings. Advanced electron microscopy revealed that even brief contact with moisture and pressure released surface-level nano- and microplastic materials from gum bases.

From Saliva to Tissues: How Microplastics May Stay in the Body

Once released into saliva, these microplastics don’t just vanish. Swallowed residues may pass into the gastrointestinal tract, where a portion can be eliminated. However, numerous studies have shown that particles under 10 micrometers can cross the intestinal barrier.

As early as 2021, research published in Environmental Science & Technology identified microplastics in human blood samples. The authors linked daily consumer habits—including food and personal care use—to bioaccumulation. The prolonged chewing of plastic-based materials like gum can be a subtle, yet constant contributor to this process.

These findings continue to raise crucial questions: Where do the microplastics go once absorbed? How long do they remain in tissues? With every chew, the body becomes a potential long-term reservoir for synthetic fragments, setting the stage for deeper biological interactions we’re only beginning to understand.

Could Microplastics from Chewing Gum Affect Your Health?

When something as common as chewing gum turns out to be a source of microplastics, the natural question that follows is: what does that mean for your health? While gum has long been a favored breath freshener and stress reliever, recent studies suggest that with every chew, you might also be introducing thousands of plastic particles into your body. Let’s take a closer look at what this could mean, starting where it matters most — your mouth.

What Does the Latest Research Say About Microplastics and Health?

Microplastics were once considered an environmental concern alone, but over the last five years, studies have increasingly linked them to potential health risks. Scientists have found microplastics in human stool samples, blood, and even lung tissue. In a 2022 study published in Environmental International, researchers detected microplastic particles in human placentas, highlighting their ability to permeate biological barriers.

Exposure routes include not only food and water but also everyday items like chewing gum, which often contains synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl acetate or polyethylene – the very substances microplastics are made from. These findings are prompting experts to investigate how chronic exposure may affect inflammatory responses, hormone regulation, and cellular health.

Impact on the Mouth: Don’t Overlook the First Point of Contact

Oral health is often the frontline in our interaction with food and environmental substances, and microplastics are no different. When chewing synthetic gum, microplastic particles are released and suspended in saliva, creating sustained contact with oral tissues — including the gums and the mucosal lining. Over time, this could initiate localized inflammation, much like how plaque buildup irritates gum tissue.

A 2023 review from the Journal of Oral Biosciences pointed to the possibility of microplastics altering the oral microbiome — the community of bacteria that plays a crucial role in maintaining gum health. An imbalance here may lead to increased risk of gingivitis, periodontal disease, or other inflammatory conditions. The abrasive nature of some microplastics could also have mechanical effects, subtly irritating soft tissues with repeated exposure.

Beyond the Mouth: Broader Health Concerns You Shouldn’t Ignore

Once microplastics enter the digestive system, attention turns to their behavior inside the gut. Though definitive long-term human studies are still in development, evidence from lab and animal studies begins to build a concerning picture. For example, research published in Particle and Fibre Toxicology showed that polystyrene microplastics may skew immune function and induce oxidative stress when ingested over time.

Particles smaller than 150 microns, and especially those below 20 microns, have the ability to cross into the circulatory system. This raises immediate concerns about bioaccumulation — the process where these plastics not only enter the body but remain embedded in tissues. Studies demonstrate that accumulation in organs could contribute to inflammation, cellular stress responses, or endocrine disruption due to associated additives like phthalates and bisphenols leaching from the plastic matrix.

It’s not just a theoretical risk. A landmark study published in Science of The Total Environment in 2021 estimated that the average person could be ingesting between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year through diet alone — a figure that climbs when factoring in inhalation. With chewing gum now identified as a concentrated microplastic source, the daily tally can increase significantly.

Have you ever wondered what your chewing habits might really be contributing to? Looking at these findings, it’s clear that choosing cleaner, more natural alternatives isn’t just about the environment — it’s a direct investment in your long-term well-being.

Microplastics from Gum: A Tiny Threat with a Massive Environmental Footprint

Most people don’t associate their chewing habits with ocean health or soil quality—but there’s a direct link. When chewing gum releases thousands of microplastics into saliva, the environmental implications stretch far beyond personal health. What happens after it’s spit out or improperly discarded plays a significant role in plastic pollution.

Chewing Gum and Its Hidden Environmental Cost

Chewing gum is typically made from synthetic polymers like polyvinyl acetate and polyethylene—materials classed as plastics. Once discarded, this seemingly harmless residue becomes a persistent pollutant. Unlike organic waste, gum does not biodegrade. It sticks to sidewalks, clings to nature trails, and breaks down into microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems over time.

• Gum is the second most common form of litter after cigarette butts in many urban areas.
• One piece of gum can take over 50 years to decompose, leaving microplastics behind long after.
• Rainwater runoff can transport these microplastics into streams, rivers, and eventually oceans.

Once in the environment, microplastics act as sponges for chemical pollutants. They absorb pesticides, heavy metals, and oil-based toxins from their surroundings, creating toxic pellets that are easily ingested by wildlife.

Disposal Dilemma: The Sticky Waste Management Problem

The challenges of managing chewing gum waste stem from its composition. Its sticky, resilient nature causes substantial issues for city maintenance systems. Regular street cleaning methods aren’t effective; gum often needs to be removed manually or with specialized equipment.

Municipalities spend large sums each year to clean discarded gum. For example, according to Keep Britain Tidy, it costs up to £1.50 to remove a single piece of gum from public pavements in the UK, where over 3.5 billion pieces are chewed annually. Globally, the cost of removal and environmental damage adds up quickly.

• Gum rarely ends up in designated bins, leading to widespread street and natural space contamination.
• Landfills are not equipped to biodegrade synthetics in gum, so the pieces persist for decades.
• Even incineration isn’t a perfect solution due to the toxic byproducts released during burning.

The Ripple Effect: Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems

Ecotoxicology studies provide measurable evidence of the damage microplastics cause in the natural world. Once these plastic particles infiltrate waterways, they interact directly with aquatic organisms. Ingested particles accumulate in the digestive systems of fish, plankton, and even birds, causing physical blockage, reduced feeding, and altered biochemical processes.

In a 2021 study published in Environmental Pollution, researchers found that microplastics negatively affected reproduction in Daphnia magna, a freshwater plankton species. After exposure, the organisms showed a 60% decrease in reproductive output and higher mortality rates. These effects cascade up the food chain, threatening biodiversity and food security.

Beyond aquatic life, microplastics have been found in terrestrial animals as well. Earthworms exposed to microplastic-contaminated soil exhibited reduced growth and disrupted ingestion patterns. Birds have been observed feeding gum-covered waste to their chicks, mistaking it for food.

These findings signal a broader pattern: the more microplastics enter the environment—even from something as small as gum—the more they disrupt ecological balance.

Innovative Paths Towards Sustainable Chewing Gum Solutions

As research uncovers just how many microplastics conventional gum can release into saliva, sustainability has stepped into the spotlight. The pressure to rethink how we chew is rising, and the good news? Innovation is catching up fast.

Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Gum Alternatives

Traditional gum bases rely heavily on synthetic polymers like polyvinyl acetate—essentially forms of plastic. However, recent years have seen a surge in biodegradable alternatives that leave a much lighter environmental footprint.

• Chicle-based gums: Made from the sap of the sapodilla tree, chicle is a natural latex that served as the original gum base before synthetic versions took over. Brands returning to this classic material are proving that chewability and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand.
• Cellulose-based gums: Plant-derived cellulose, when modified, creates a base that behaves like synthetic gum but degrades naturally. It doesn’t shed microplastics and breaks down without toxic residues.
• Startup innovators: Companies like Nuud, Simply Gum, and True Gum are using tree resin, natural rubber, and organic sweeteners to create fully compostable gums—some even come in recyclable or plastic-free packaging.

This shift doesn’t compromise flavor or texture; rather, it opens doors to cleaner chewing experiences that align with environmental values.

Redefining Packaging and Plastic Degradation Processes

Packaging is often an overlooked contributor to plastic pollution in the gum industry. Fortunately, new advances are shaping this landscape.

• Enzyme-enhanced biodegradation: Scientists are developing enzymes like PETase and MHETase that break down conventional plastics rapidly into benign byproducts. These enzymes, when embedded in packaging materials, could reshape post-consumer waste processing by accelerating polymer breakdown in household settings.
• Mycelium-based packaging: Made from the vegetative roots of fungi, this material replaces plastic blister packs and trays. Already used in other commercial goods, its dietary safety and biodegradability make it promising for future gum packs.
• Edible wrappers: Some niche brands are exploring rice-based or seaweed-derived wrappers that dissolve in the mouth or compost naturally—zero waste, zero compromise.

These packaging breakthroughs align beautifully with greener gum formulations, creating a full-circle product reimagination.

Strategies for Managing Chewing Gum Waste

Even as product improvements evolve, legacy gum waste remains—and it’s notoriously hard to manage. Countries and cities are beginning to adapt responses that tackle the issue proactively.

• Specialized bins and collection systems: In the UK, Gumdrop bins collect finished gum for processing into resin-based materials that can be used for items like rubber boots and phone covers. These programs incentivize responsible disposal and upcycling.
• Urban gum-removal campaigns: Cities like Amsterdam and Singapore have invested in chewing gum removal machinery and non-stick urban surfaces to deter litter. These urban policies reduce microplastic leaching from sidewalks into the environment.
• School and workplace policies: Some institutions implement chewing gum-free zones or offer biodegradable alternatives to discourage disposable habits. Behavioral nudges like these play a crucial role in waste minimization at scale.

While individual changes in chewing habits can drive impact, systemic solutions are essential—and increasingly, the tools to make those solutions possible already exist.

Rethinking the Habit: What Your Chewing Gum Could Be Doing

Every chew might be delivering more than just flavor and freshness. Throughout this article, we’ve unpacked how microplastics—tiny synthetic particles now being detected everywhere from ocean water to human blood—are also present in something as ordinary as chewing gum.

We explored how standard gum bases, made using synthetic polymers like polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, can release thousands of microplastics into saliva during mastication. A recent 2023 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology confirmed that saliva enzymes break down gum, contributing to measurable microplastic release with each chew. Researchers found that chewing for just 10 minutes could release up to 100,000 microplastic particles into a single person’s saliva.

Beyond the body, these particles often make their way into wastewater, eventually contaminating aquatic ecosystems. Though wastewater treatment can eliminate a fraction of these particles, many escape filtration due to their minute size, adding to the rising global microplastic load.

This should change how we think about convenience habits. Chewing gum might seem trivial, but the cumulative environmental and potential health consequences aren’t. If you’re someone who chews multiple times a day, every day, extrapolate that across millions—and the implications grow staggering.

So, what can be done on an individual level?

• Choose natural gums: Look for products made from chicle, beeswax, or other biodegradable bases.
• Reduce frequency: Reconsider how often you chew and whether it’s essential every time.
• Engage with brands: Ask gum manufacturers for transparency in ingredients and support innovation in biocompatible alternatives.
• Stay informed: Follow ongoing scientific research and support policies that address microplastic contamination at its source.

Microplastic pollution won’t be solved by a single action, but collective awareness and small, consistent choices are powerful. Chewing gum is more than a personal habit—it’s a global environmental crossroad, and your decision matters.