Having a double chin can be frustrating and make you feel self-conscious. While genetics play a big role in whether you develop a double chin, there are some things you can do to help get rid of it or make it less noticeable. One method some people try is chewing gum, with the idea that consistently working the jaw muscles could help tighten, tone, and firm up the area under the chin. But how long and how often do you need to chew gum to see results?
How Chewing Gum Works for Double Chins
Chewing gum engages the muscles of the jaw, tongue, and facial area. Repeatedly chewing gum can help strengthen and tone these muscles over time. Stronger jaw and facial muscles may help tighten loose skin and fat under the chin associated with a double chin. Specifically, chewing gum engages the:
- Masseter muscle: This strong muscle at the back of the jaw is used for chewing. Working it repeatedly can help tone and strengthen it.
- Mylohyoid muscle: This muscle forms the floor of the mouth and lifts the tongue. Chewing gum can help strengthen it.
- Platysma: These paired muscles run down the front of the neck. Toning them may help tighten loose neck skin.
- Orbicularis oris: This muscle encircles the mouth. Working it by chewing can help define the jawline.
In addition to engaging all these muscles, chewing gum also increases blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the facial tissues. This can help nourish the skin and underlying tissues.
So in theory, regularly chewing gum works out and tones the muscles and skin of the jaw, chin, and neck area. Over time, this may help minimize the appearance of a double chin. However, keep in mind that genetics, age, weight gain, and other factors also influence how prominent your double chin is. Chewing gum alone may not get rid of a double chin entirely in all cases.
How Long to Chew Gum for a Double Chin
There are no definitive recommendations on exactly how long or how frequently to chew gum to specifically target a double chin. However, here are some general guidelines that may help:
- Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of continuous gum chewing per day. This provides enough time for the muscles to get a good workout.
- Chewing in shorter 10-15 minute increments two or three times daily may also be effective. This allows the muscles to rest between sessions.
- Try chewing a piece of sugar-free gum after each meal to get into the habit of a regular chewing routine.
- Aim to chew gum for at least 20-30 minutes before going to bed, as sleeping in a horizontal position can exacerbate the appearance of a double chin.
Be careful not to overdo it when you first start a gum chewing routine. Chewing too vigorously or for too long can lead to jaw soreness, headaches, and TMJ pain. Build up gradually to longer chewing sessions.
How Long It Takes to See Results
It takes consistency and patience to see changes in your double chin from chewing gum. Most sources suggest it can take at least 4-6 weeks of regular gum chewing for 20-30 minutes a day to notice some subtle tightening under the chin. For more significant results, you will likely need to keep up these gum chewing sessions for several months.
Results vary from person to person based on factors like:
- Your genetics and baseline face/jaw muscle structure
- How much excess fat or loose skin is contributing to your double chin
- Your age
- Whether you are combining gum chewing with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle measures
Chewing gum alone may not completely eliminate a double chin if your weight or genetics are strong contributors. But regular gum chewing can still help tone and tighten the muscles and skin in the jawline and neck areas to minimize a double chin’s appearance. Be patient and stick with a daily gum chewing routine for at least a couple months to see if it helps optimize your results.
Which Gum is Best?
Look for a gum that will give your jaws and facial muscles a good workout as you chew. Some features to look for include:
- Sugar-free: Sugar-free gums are gentler on teeth and avoid causing cavities with long-term use.
- Firm texture: A firm, dense gum encourages more vigorous chewing and jaw engagement.
- Flavorful: A strong flavor encourages longer chewing sessions.
- Xylitol: This sugar alcohol in some gums helps stimulate saliva production, which can help neutralize acids from chewing.
Some top chewing gum choices may include:
- Trident
- Orbit
- Extra
- Falim
- Pur
- Simply Gum
Try sampling different gums to find the flavor, texture, and chewing experience you like best. Rotate between a few different options to work all the chewing muscles from various angles.
Proper Chewing Technique
To get the most toning benefits for your jawline as you chew gum, use proper technique:
- Keep lips gently closed while chewing, rather than chewing with your mouth open.
- Chew slowly and deliberately, focusing on fully engaging the jaw muscles.
- Chew bilaterally, alternating sides to work both sides evenly.
- Position the gum on your back molars and chew by raising and lowering your jaw. Avoid just chomping from front to back.
- Sit up straight. Chewing while slumped can limit muscle engagement.
- Take breaks every 5-10 minutes to give your jaws a rest.
Other Lifestyle Measures
While chewing gum can provide some toning benefits, keep in mind that several other factors influence the appearance of a double chin. For best results, also focus on:
- Weight loss: Shedding excess fat can help slim down a double chin. Reduce calorie intake and increase activity levels.
- Posture: Standing and sitting up straight can help stretch the chin area. Slouching forward exacerbates double chin appearance.
- Chin exercises: Targeted chin lifts, presses, and stretches can complement chewing gum.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep facial skin taut and plump.
- Skincare: Use moisturizers, creams, massage, and gua sha scraping to nourish the chin area.
Making gum chewing part of a broader double chin reduction routine can provide better results than gum alone. But consistent gum chewing can still tighten and tone the area when done regularly.
Risks and Precautions
Chewing gum is generally safe and low risk. But take these precautions:
- Use sugar-free gum to protect tooth enamel.
- Watch for jaw soreness, pain, or TMJ symptoms and take breaks as needed.
- Make sure to drink water while chewing to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid excessive chewing with hard gums to prevent overworking the jaw muscles.
- See a dentist regularly to monitor tooth and jaw health.
Talk to your dentist before starting a gum chewing routine, especially if you have existing dental work, jaw pain, or TMJ issues.
Other FAQs
Can chewing gum redistribute facial fat?
There is no evidence that shows chewing gum specifically redistributes or reduces fat in the face and chin area. Gum chewing tones and works the underlying jaw muscles but does not directly burn fat. Overall weight loss is needed to reduce excess facial fat.
Does chewing gum lead to wrinkles?
There are mixed opinions on whether gum chewing contributes to wrinkles around the mouth. The repetitive mouth movements while chewing can lead to fine lines over time. But chewing also delivers blood circulation to nourish the skin. Just be sure to apply SPF lip balm before chewing gum in sunlight.
Can chewing gumhelp define the jawline?
Yes, working the jaw muscles by chewing gum can help provide some definition along the jawline. Toned jaw muscles can provide a firmer look than unsupported loose skin. But several factors contribute to a defined jawline, including weight, genetics, age, and facial fat distribution.
Can chewing gum tighten neck skin?
Chewing gum engages muscles like the platysma down the front of the neck, which may help provide some tightening effect on the skin over time. But many other factors contribute to neck skin laxity, including sun damage, genetics, and age. So gum chewing alone may provide only subtle tightening.
Conclusion
Chewing gum for around 20-30 minutes a day can help tone, tighten, and strengthen the facial muscles that can minimize the appearance of a double chin. While not a cure-all solution, it is an easy wellness habit that can be done anytime, anywhere. When combined with weight management, posture corrections, targeted exercises, and proper skincare, regular gum chewing can optimize your results for a firmer, more defined jawline and less noticeable double chin.
Be patient and give it at least a few months of daily gum chewing. Use proper chewing technique and take breaks to prevent overworking the jaw muscles. And check with your dentist first if you have any oral health concerns. With consistency and diligence, chewing gum can help you achieve a tighter, more toned chin area.