Recent research has revealed that chewing gum whether synthetic or natural releases hundreds to thousands of microplastics into our saliva, potentially leading to ingestion. A study presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring meeting in March 2025, conducted by scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), found that the act of chewing gum detaches microplastics from the gum, which then end up in our saliva.
The researchers tested 10 popular gum brands, consisting of five synthetic and five natural gums, to determine the amount of microplastics released during chewing. Their findings indicated that, on average, chewing a stick of gum releases 100 microplastics per gram, with as many as 600 microplastics being released from some gums. Surprisingly, both synthetic and natural gums released similar amounts of microplastics.
The team measured microplastics in saliva samples at different intervals during chewing and discovered that 94% of the particles were released within the first eight minutes of chewing. These microplastics, which are small plastic particles often invisible to the naked eye, could contribute significantly to the 50,000 microplastics people are estimated to ingest annually.
While the study didn’t directly address the potential health risks of microplastics, previous research has linked these particles to health complications. The team also noted that the plastics released in saliva are only a small fraction of the total plastic present in the gum, which can still contribute to environmental pollution if disposed of improperly.
This revelation raises concerns about the widespread presence of plastics in everyday items, further emphasizing the need for ongoing research into the potential health effects and environmental impact of microplastics.