A Review of the Evidence that Chewing Gum Affects Stress, Alertness and Cognition

Research is reviewed on the effects of chewing gum on stress, alertness and cognition (including findings from cognitive neuroscience). There is some evidence that chewing gum reduces chronic stress, while effects on acute stress have been less clear in an experimental context. A robust effect of gum chewing on subjective alertness has been observed. However, findings on chewing gum and cognition have been more variable. It is suggested that length of chewing may be a key moderator in chewing gum effects. Possible mechanisms are highlighted for effects of chewing gum on stress and cognition, and suggestions for future research are made.