The Jawline Obsession: Can Chewing Gum Really Reshape Your Face?
If you have ever stumbled upon the "looksmaxxing" corner of the internet, you know it presents an intense world of self-improvement. This online movement focuses intensely on facial aesthetics, with young men treating their faces as long-term projects. They document elaborate routines that often feel reminiscent of scenes from "American Psycho"—complete with that driven, Patrick Bateman-like energy.
What Exactly Is Looksmaxxing?
At its foundation, looksmaxxing promotes itself as affordable self-improvement, though approaches vary widely. For example, "softmaxxing" emphasizes hygiene and lifestyle adjustments without surgical interventions. This method avoids fillers and procedures, relying instead on practices like "facial training"—often guided by online forums that might critique features like an undefined jawline. It blends motivation with obsession, thriving in digital spaces.
Surprisingly, one of the most viral tools in this trend is ordinary bubble gum. Advocates claim that increased chewing strengthens facial muscles, potentially leading to a sharper, more sculpted jawline. Thus, a childhood pastime is rebranded as a budget-friendly hack for enhancing appearance.
The Scientific Perspective: Does Chewing Gum Work?
Beneath the hype lies some factual basis. A 2018 study published in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, cited by Healthline, found that regular gum-chewing exercises can improve masticatory performance and boost bite force. This suggests that repetitive chewing may indeed strengthen the muscles involved in chewing. In essence, chewing gum engages and trains jaw-related muscles.
However, strengthening a muscle does not equate to reshaping facial structure. Research from the Journal of Dental Sciences in 2019 clarified that while chewing gum might enhance functional aspects like swallowing and feeding, it does not alter facial bone structure or significantly change the visible jawline shape. The observed improvements are functional, not cosmetic.
Health experts reinforce this distinction. A 2019 Healthline report noted that chewing gum is unlikely to sharpen or define the jawline because the primary chewing muscles are located in the cheeks and neck, not areas that dramatically affect facial contours. Genetics, fat distribution, and bone structure remain the dominant factors in jawline appearance.
Risks of Excessive Chewing
Overindulgence in gum chewing carries downsides. According to Healthline, excessive chewing can strain facial muscles, leading to:
- Jaw pain and tightness
- Headaches
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, such as jaw clicking or popping
Additionally, gum with sucrose can cause enamel demineralization and cavities, especially with frequent, prolonged use. Chewing gum containing acidic flavorings may lower plaque pH levels, resulting in:
- Enamel demineralization
- Cavity lesions
- Enamel erosion
The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Jawline
With Bubble Gum Day on February 6, it is worth reflecting on the broader implications. Looksmaxxing often mirrors deeper anxieties about appearance, masculinity, and the belief that attractiveness can be engineered through sheer effort. While gum may strengthen your bite, it will not magically carve a supermodel jawline. Take useful elements from the looksmaxxing playbook, but avoid chewing the obsession too hard.
