Some cosmetic surgeons say that gum chewing can lead to facial wrinkles, as reported by MSNBC this week. The surgeons contend that chronic, extensive gum chewing “promotes muscle over-activity and potentially breaks down support tissue within the skin.” Although this may be true, there are no studies that have been done which link gum chewing with wrinkling. Nor does money need to be spent on such a study – would it really matter? This makes me wonder whether we should tell perpetually happy people to stop smiling, or habitual snackers to quit munching. Yes, perhaps maniacal gum chewers should be warned, but personally, I’ll take my gum with all it’s wrinkle risks in stride. [via MSNBC]
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Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.