Headaches are a common experience, affecting a large portion of the population. The search for simple, non-medicinal remedies has led to the idea that chewing gum might offer relief. This simple, rhythmic activity is often suggested as a temporary distraction or a way to alleviate muscle tension associated with a throbbing head. Investigating this practice requires looking closely at the physiological and neurological effects of constant chewing.
How Chewing Affects Tension Headaches
Chewing gum is theorized to alleviate pain, particularly tension-type headaches, through a combination of physical and neurological actions. The repetitive, gentle motion of the jaw muscles, primarily the masseter, may help to temporarily relax muscles that have become tight due to stress or poor posture. This rhythmic exercise can potentially interrupt the cycle of muscle tension that often characterizes a dull, persistent tension headache. Short, moderate chewing may induce blood flow to the area, which some speculate could reduce localized muscle stiffness.
Beyond the physical effect on the jaw, the act of chewing engages the nervous system in a way that can compete with pain signals. The sensory input from the chewing motion and the flavor, especially mint, acts as a distraction that shifts focus away from the headache. This mechanism aligns with the Gate Control Theory of Pain, where a non-painful sensory signal can effectively “close the gate” to the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Furthermore, because stress is a major trigger for tension headaches, the known stress-relieving effect of the motor task of chewing may help reduce the underlying psychological cause of the pain.
What Does the Scientific Research Say
Scientific investigation into the link between chewing gum and headaches presents a mixed picture. Some small-scale studies have suggested a minor benefit, finding that chewing gum for approximately 30 minutes can reduce the reported severity and frequency of headache symptoms. This limited evidence often points to the short-term analgesic or distraction effects of the activity. The findings regarding chewing’s ability to reduce pain scores in controlled settings are also inconsistent, with some studies showing positive results depending on the gum’s sweetness or the participant’s gender.
However, the most compelling clinical data points to a strong association between excessive gum chewing and the triggering of headaches, particularly in adolescents. A prospective study involving young people who suffered from chronic headaches found a dramatic resolution of symptoms upon cessation of the habit. About 87% of participants reported a complete or partial disappearance of their chronic headaches after stopping daily gum chewing for one month. When the gum habit was reintroduced, the headaches returned within days, providing strong evidence that the chewing itself was the primary trigger for this susceptible population.
When Chewing Gum Can Make Headaches Worse
While short periods of chewing might offer temporary distraction, excessive or prolonged gum use is a risk factor for pain. The continuous, repetitive motion overworks the muscles and ligaments surrounding the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Overuse can lead to muscle fatigue and joint strain, which can then trigger a secondary headache that manifests as pain around the temples, ear, and jaw. For individuals who already suffer from temporomandibular disorder (TMD), chewing gum can exacerbate their condition, and its avoidance is often a standard recommendation from healthcare professionals.
The ingredients within the gum can also be problematic. Many sugar-free gums contain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which have been reported as a headache or migraine trigger in sensitive people. The frequency and duration of the habit are the most critical factors; chewing for over an hour per day has been associated with an increased risk of chronic headache development. Furthermore, the tendency to swallow air while chewing can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, which may compound headache symptoms.