chewing gum has a mysterious effect on the brain

Scientific research has revealed that chewing gum has several measurable and beneficial effects on the brain. 

A comprehensive 2025 review of over 30 years of brain-imaging data—using MRI, EEG, and fNIRS—confirms that the rhythmic act of chewing modulates neural activity far beyond simple muscle control. 

Key Effects on Brain Function

Increased Alertness and Focus: 

Chewing gum is consistently linked to a roughly 10% increase in alertness and sustained attention.

 It is particularly effective for maintaining concentration during "boring" or repetitive tasks.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction: 

Mastication acts as a natural stress-coping mechanism, effectively lowering cortisol levels and dampening the brain's response to negative stimuli.

Enhanced Memory Performance: 

Some studies suggest gum chewing can improve memory recall by up to 35%. 

This may be due to increased activity in the hippocampus, a region vital for memory formation.

Improved Reaction Times: 

Participants in various trials showed 10% faster reaction times when chewing gum compared to those who were not. 

Biological Mechanisms

Cerebral Blood Flow: 

The act of chewing increases heart rate and blood pressure, pumping more oxygen and glucose-rich blood to the brain.

Neural Activation: 

Brain scans show that chewing activates a broad network including the primary motor cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum.

Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation: 

Mastication stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which is connected to brain regions responsible for arousal and alertness.

Insulin and Serotonin: 

Some researchers theorize that chewing triggers the release of insulin and serotonin, which can positively influence memory and mood. 

Important Considerations

Short-lived Benefits: 

Most cognitive gains, particularly those related to attention and memory, tend to disappear shortly after chewing stops.

Flavor Matters: 

Mint-flavored gum is often cited as the most effective for reducing tiredness and boosting alertness.

Context-Dependent: 

While effective for mild stress, gum chewing has not shown consistent benefits in extreme stress situations, such as immediately before surgery. 

At Symmetrical Drumming I have started wondering about chewing minty gum while playing after noticing one of my favourite drummers, Peter Luscombe, doing it while playing in RockWiz Orchestra and with Paul Kelly.

Australian drummer Peter Luscombe, best known for his long-term work with Paul Kelly and the RocKwiz Orchestra, is frequently seen chewing gum during performances to keep his mouth and throat lubricated. 

While many professional musicians utilize chewing gum for various reasons, the primary practical benefits include:

Preventing Dry Mouth: 

Chewing gum increases saliva production, which prevents the "dry mouth" effect often caused by performance adrenaline or stage environments.

Maintaining Focus: 

Like many athletes and performers, the rhythmic act of chewing can help a musician maintain focus and concentration during long sets or television tapings.

Vocal Health: 

For musicians who also provide backing vocals, the extra lubrication can help protect the vocal folds and reduce the risk of irritation or acid reflux during a show. 

Luscombe's consistent use of gum has become a recognizable part of his laid-back but professional on-stage persona throughout his decades-long career. 

…famously Drummers including Dennis Chambers, Dave Grohl, and Lenny White, who chew gum while playing, finding it helps them relax, focus, maintain rhythm, prevent dry mouth, or provides a soothing oral fixation, though some find it distracting, highlighting a common quirk in drumming for consistency and stress relief, similar to athletes. 
 

https://SymmetricalDrummingAustralia.Org