Effects of Hard Gum Chewing on Facial Soft Tissue Morphology
Recruiting now · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Face
In brief
This pilot clinical trial will evaluate whether intentional chewing of a standardized hard chewing gum for 4 weeks produces measurable changes in facial morphology in healthy adults. Twenty participants aged 20-40 years will undergo three-dimensional facial imaging (3dMD) at baseline (T0), after the 4-week chewing intervention (T1), and following a 4-5-week washout period (T2). Changes in facial soft-tissue morphology will be assessed using three-dimensional surface analysis, including heatmaps, regional surface displacement, and morphometric measurements. Secondary outcomes include self-reported muscle fatigue, soreness, adherence, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07726511
- Run by
- UConn Health
- People needed
- 20
- Starts
- 2026-06-03
- Expected to finish
- 2028-06-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-07-24
Who can join
Age: 20 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Healthy, non-smoking adults.
- Age 20 to 40 years.
- Presence of a full dentition from central incisor to first molar in all four quadrants, excluding second molars.
- Stable occlusion with no ongoing orthodontic treatment or myofunctional therapy.
- Ability and willingness to comply with the prescribed hard-gum chewing regimen for 4 weeks and attend all study visits.
- Ability to provide written informed consent.
You may not qualify if…
- Age younger than 20 years or older than 40 years.
- Evident facial asymmetry from a frontal view.
- Signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) according to the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD).
- Less than the normal range of condylar motion during maximum opening and closing.
- Parafunctional habits such as bruxism with pain, clenching, or habitual gum chewing for more than 1 hour per day.
- History of major craniofacial trauma, orthognathic surgery, or congenital craniofacial anomalies.
- Ongoing orthodontic treatment or recent removal of fixed appliances (<6 months).
- Significant malocclusion or missing teeth in the anterior or premolar-first molar region that may affect mastication.
- Systemic diseases or medications affecting muscle or bone metabolism.
- Previous use of botulinum toxin (Botox) within the last 6 months or anticipated use during the study period.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Allergy or intolerance to the chewing gum ingredients.
Where it is running
- UConn Health — Farmington, Connecticut, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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