Are you sabotaging your skin with chewing gum?

Does gum cause acne? In one way yes, in another way, no. 

Chewing gum is such a common habit, it’s easy to overlook its potential effects like secretly supporting your stubborn acne. But it’s also possible that chewing gum also prevents acne breakouts. Find out when gum is bad for acne and when it is good for acne below.

As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

Chewing gum can cause acne

Chewing gum can potentially contribute to acne in several indirect ways:

1. Sugar Content: Many gums contain sugar, which can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can contribute to poor oral health, which may have a knock-on effect on skin health.
2. Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar-free gums often contain artificial sweeteners that can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and mouth. An imbalance in gut microbiota can potentially lead to inflammation, affecting the skin and possibly causing acne.
3. Hormonal Fluctuations: The act of chewing gum can sometimes lead to stress relief, which in turn affects hormonal levels. Hormonal imbalances are known to be linked to acne development.
4. Skin Contact: Some people may touch their face more often when chewing gum due to subconscious movements or transferring gum. This can transfer bacteria from the hands to the face, which can clog pores and lead to acne.

These pathways suggest that while gum does not directly cause acne, its components and related behaviours can potentially affect skin health.

The types of gum you chew matter more than you might think. Many gums contain sugars and artificial sweeteners that promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria within your mouth. These ingredients can disrupt the balance of oral bacteria, leading to poor oral health and potentially dead skin cells buildup, which are a recipe for acne outbreaks. By choosing gum wisely or opting for healthier alternatives, you can maintain better oral health and support clearer skin. So next time you feel the urge to pop a piece of gum, consider its ingredients and the potential impact on your skin health.

But chewing gum can also improve oral health

Chewing gum can improve oral health in several ways, especially if it’s sugar-free:

1. Increases Saliva Production: Chewing gum stimulates saliva flow, which helps wash away food particles and neutralises acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay.
2. Strengthens Teeth: Some sugar-free gums contain xylitol, a sweetener that can help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth. Xylitol also helps to reduce levels of decay-causing bacteria and enhances the remineralisation of tooth enamel.
3. Freshens Breath: Gum can help mask bad breath and, more importantly, reduce the bacteria responsible for causing it.

While chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for oral health, it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing. It’s best used as a supplement to traditional oral hygiene practices.

And oral health is connected to acne

When we neglect our mouths, we’re not just risking cavities; we’re possibly inviting unwanted skin issues (1).

Poor oral hygiene can lead to oral infection, gum disease and tooth decay which might surprise you by contributing to acne outbreaks on your skin. 

Bad bacteria from tooth decay and unhealthy gums can create an environment that fosters acne breakouts. This transfer of bacteria from your mouth to other parts of your face, or full blow bacterial infections might be a hidden culprit behind those persistent pimples.

Consider the compelling case of a middle-aged man whose severe acne proved resistant to numerous treatments, including three rounds of isotretinoin, a powerful acne medication (2). 

The root cause was actually his tooth infection. 

Remarkably, his skin condition improved significantly after an infected tooth was removed, only to worsen again when another tooth decayed. This suggests that bacterial infections in the mouth could trigger systemic immune system responses, such as the production of antibodies against Propionibacterium acnes—the bacteria directly implicated in acne. These incidents underscore the potential role of dental health as an underlying cause of acne.

Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and good oral hygiene isn’t just about preventing cavities; it’s also a crucial step towards controlling your skin health and achieving clearer skin. Addressing oral health could be a vital strategy in managing or even preventing acne, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

So choose a good chewing gum

Choosing a gum that’s good for oral health and won’t exacerbate acne involves a few key considerations:

1. Opt for Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar is a major culprit in both tooth decay and potentially aggravating acne by fostering bacterial growth. Choose sugar-free gums to avoid these issues.
2. Look for Xylitol or Erythritol: These natural sweeteners do not only replace sugar but also have beneficial effects on oral health. Xylitol, in particular, has been shown to reduce the levels of decay-causing bacteria in the mouth. Unlike sugar, these sweeteners do not lead to spikes in blood sugar, which can be linked to acne flare-ups.
3. Avoid Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Skin Issues: Some artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, have been anecdotally linked to skin irritation or acne in sensitive individuals. If you notice a correlation between your gum chewing and skin flare-ups, try switching brands or sweeteners to see if your skin improves.
4. Check for Other Additives: Some gums contain additional chemicals for flavour and texture that might irritate sensitive skin. Natural and organic gums often contain fewer additives and might be a safer choice for your skin.
5. Consider the Gum’s Base: Gums with a natural chewing base are preferable over those with synthetic bases, which may contain more chemical additives that could potentially affect your skin.
6. Chew Moderately: Even if you choose a healthier gum, it’s wise to chew in moderation. Excessive chewing can lead to jaw stress and might stimulate the skin around your mouth, potentially leading to breakouts.

By carefully selecting your chewing gum based on these guidelines, you can help maintain good oral health without negatively impacting your skin.

You might also like:
6 ways Hot Cheetos are causing your acne

Or a healthy alternative to chewing gum

Switching out your gum for healthier options can do wonders for both a healthy smile and preventing another acne outbreak. 

Instead of reaching for that sugary pack, why not try sugar-free mints or even chewing on some fresh herbs like mint or parsley? These alternatives support good oral hygiene and don’t contribute to the growth of acne-causing bacteria. 

Moreover, incorporating plenty of water and herbal teas into your routine helps maintain hydration, crucial for clearer skin and overall detoxification. Such small changes in your oral hygiene routine can significantly impact your skin health, promoting not only clear skin but also overall health.

Then listen to your body

Encourage a little self-experimentation to see how changes in your gum-chewing habits might affect your skin health. If you’ve been struggling with acne breakouts, try cutting out gum for a few weeks and observe any improvements in the health of your skin. 

Documenting this personal experiment can provide insights into how much impact oral habits have on your skin issues. It’s all about listening to your body and recognising the subtle signs it gives you. Paying attention to these details can help you achieve not just clear skin, but also enhance your understanding of how interconnected our habits are with our body’s health.

Does gum cause acne?

As we’ve explored, the simple act of chewing gum can have broader implications than many of us might expect. From influencing acne outbreaks due to poor dental health to affecting the health of your teeth, it’s clear that our oral hygiene practices play a significant role in our overall health. By making mindful choices about our oral hygiene routine and being aware of the ingredients in our gum, we can protect not just our teeth but also our skin health. Let’s keep the conversation going—share your experiences and thoughts on how adjusting your gum-chewing habits has impacted your health conditions. Together, we can uncover more about the connections between our daily habits and our well-being.

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!

1. Macklis P, Adams K, Kaffenberger J, Kumar P, Krispinsky A, Kaffenberger B. The Association Between Oral Health and Skin Disease. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(6):48-53.
2. Boyd AS, King LE Jr. Recalcitrant acne vulgaris secondary to a dental abscess. Cutis. 1999;64(2):116-118.