Effects of Hard Gum Chewing on Facial Soft Tissue Morphology
The Effect of Intentional Hard Gum Chewing on Facial Morphology: a 3DMD-based Analysis x
UConn Health
20 participants
Jun 3, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
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Interventions
Participants will chew a standardized hard chewing gum (Jawliner®, hard hardness level) every other day for 4 weeks. Each session will consist of two 8-minute chewing blocks following a standardized protocol with controlled chewing pace, progressive force application, and alternating chewing sides. Total chewing time per session will be approximately 16 minutes.
Locations(1)
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NCT07726511