New research reveals that chewing gum activates brain regions associated with attention and stress regulation, shedding light on its long-standing use for focus and relaxation.
Humans have been chewing gum for thousands of years, a practice that continues long after the flavor fades and without any clear nutritional benefits. This habit dates back at least 8,000 years to Scandinavia, where early inhabitants chewed birchbark pitch to soften it into a glue for tools. Other ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Native Americans, and the Maya, also chewed tree resins for pleasure or soothing effects, as reported by National Geographic.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, William Wrigley Jr. transformed chewing gum from a novelty into a mass consumer habit through relentless and innovative marketing. His brands, such as Juicy Fruit and Spearmint, promoted gum as a way to calm nerves, curb hunger, and enhance focus. An article from 1916 famously advised, “Are you worried? Chew gum. Do you lie awake at night? Chew gum. Are you depressed? Is the world against you? Chew gum,” as noted in Kerry Segrave’s book, Chewing Gum in America, 1850-1920: The Rise of an Industry.
In the 1940s, a study found that chewing resulted in lower tension, although it could not explain why. The New York Times reported on the study’s findings, stating, “The gum-chewer relaxes and gets more work done.” This early association of gum with wellness has seen a revival in recent years as companies attempt to reinvigorate sales amid a decline in the market, according to National Geographic.
Despite its long history, scientists are only now beginning to understand the biology behind these long-standing beliefs. A 2025 review by researchers at the University of Szczecin in Poland analyzed over three decades of brain-imaging studies to investigate what occurs in the brain when individuals chew gum. Utilizing MRI, EEG, and near-infrared spectroscopy, the authors discovered that chewing alters brain activity in regions associated with movement, attention, and stress regulation.
The findings clarify why this seemingly trivial activity can feel calming or focusing, even after the flavor has dissipated. Chewing gum activates not only the brain’s motor and sensory networks involved in the act of chewing but also higher-order regions linked to attention, alertness, and emotional control. EEG studies indicated brief shifts in brain-wave patterns associated with heightened alertness and what researchers describe as “relaxed concentration.”
“If you’re doing a fairly boring task for a long time, chewing seems to be able to help with concentration,” said Crystal Haskell-Ramsay, a professor of biological psychology at Northumbria University, in an interview with National Geographic.
The review also supports earlier findings that gum chewing can alleviate stress, but only in specific situations. Laboratory experiments showed that individuals who chewed gum during mildly stressful tasks, such as public speaking or mental math, often reported lower anxiety levels compared to those who did not chew gum.
However, the research indicates that chewing gum does not consistently reduce anxiety in high-stress medical situations, such as immediately before surgery, nor does it provide clear benefits when participants faced unsolvable problems designed to induce frustration. Across multiple studies, participants who chewed gum did not demonstrate improved memory for lists of words or stories compared to those who did not chew gum, and any increase in attention appeared to fade soon after chewing stopped.
Experts speculate that gum may simply satisfy the urge to fidget. “Although these effects are often short-lived, the range of outcomes underscores chewing gum’s capacity to modulate brain function beyond simple oral motor control,” the researchers noted. However, they cautioned that the neural changes associated with gum chewing cannot yet be directly linked to the positive behavioral and functional outcomes observed in studies.
Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of chewing gum, isolate variables related to flavor or stress, and explore potential therapeutic applications, the scientists suggested. Additionally, while sugar-free gum may help reduce cavities, dentists have previously warned that acids, sweeteners, and excessive chewing could harm teeth or trigger other side effects.
As the understanding of gum’s effects on the brain continues to evolve, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a quick way to enhance focus and alleviate stress.
These insights are based on research findings reported by National Geographic.