What the review examined

James Chmiel and Agnieszka Malinowska conducted a systematic review that pooled results from 32 human neuroimaging studies (1980–March 2025). The dataset included 15 fMRI studies, 10 fNIRS studies, 5 EEG-only studies and two combined fNIRS+EEG investigations. The goal was to map brain responses during chewing and assess whether those changes might explain short-term improvements in focus or calm. The review is published in Brain Sciences (Szczecin review).

Which brain regions light up

Core chewing networks

As expected, chewing robustly activates the sensorimotor system: bilateral primary motor and somatosensory cortices, the supplementary motor area, insula, cerebellum and thalamus. These activations were consistent across modalities and studies, reflecting jaw movement control and proprioception.

Higher‑order regions

Importantly, several studies also reported activation in the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex. These areas support attention, executive control and emotional regulation and were especially engaged under mild stress or when gum had a pleasant flavor.

Attention and alertness: what the data say

Multiple imaging modalities point to brief alerting effects during chewing:

  • fNIRS: increased oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex indicating higher frontal blood flow and engagement of attention networks.
  • EEG: transient rises in alpha and beta power consistent with heightened vigilance paired with calm — the review calls this “relaxed concentration.”
  • Behaviour: some studies recorded small, short-lived improvements on vigilance or sustained-attention tasks, most notably during boring or monotonous activities.

Media summaries of these findings include Fox News coverage and educator guides (Teacher Toolkit).

Stress regulation and emotional control

The review found that chewing can engage circuits tied to stress regulation. Studies that placed participants under mild stress (public-speaking simulations, mental arithmetic) or used pleasant flavors showed increased prefrontal and cingulate activation and sometimes lower self-reported anxiety among chewers. The benefit appears limited to everyday, mild stress and did not reliably reduce anxiety in high-intensity medical settings or during strongly frustrating tasks.

“Chewing appears to help with everyday, mild stress — not with severe or uncontrollable stressors.”

Memory and broader cognition

Evidence for memory benefits is weak. Across studies, chewing did not consistently improve episodic memory (for example, recalling word lists or stories). A few isolated studies reported small task-specific gains, but these did not hold up in aggregate. The authors caution that neural activation patterns cannot yet be tied to reliable, real-world cognitive improvements.

How researchers interpret the mechanism

The authors propose a plausible route: chewing is a rhythmic motor act that engages sensorimotor and cerebellar circuits, which in turn connect with arousal and attention systems. Observed increases in prefrontal oxygenation and EEG shifts suggest a brain state that is more alert without being over‑aroused — hence the phrase “relaxed concentration.” Flavor and stress context may amplify prefrontal and cingulate engagement.

Limitations the review highlights

  • Effects are typically small to moderate and short-lived.
  • Outcomes depend on task, chewing rate, flavor and individual differences.
  • Many studies have modest sample sizes and varied experimental designs, complicating direct comparisons.
  • The review calls for larger trials and studies testing longer-term chewing or mastication-based interventions.

What reporters and education guides are saying

Media outlets framed the review as explaining why chewing can feel calming or focusing, at least briefly. Coverage emphasized that attention benefits fade after chewing stops and that stress relief is context-dependent. Teacher-focused summaries note possible small benefits for sustained attention during low-engagement classroom tasks but stress variability across students (Fox News; AOL summary; Teacher Toolkit).

Practical cautions

Experts warn of dental concerns, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain and effects of sugar or additives with frequent chewing. Even sugar‑free gum can irritate the jaw in some people. The review urges weighing health considerations before recommending regular chewing for attention or stress relief.

Implications for Redding, California

Economic impact

For Redding’s workforce — from downtown small-business owners to truck drivers and first responders — chewing gum could be a low-cost, low-tech tool to boost short-term alertness during long, repetitive shifts. Employers might consider allowing sugar-free gum breaks where safety and cleanliness permit. Any productivity gains are likely modest and brief and should not replace fatigue-management measures like rest, scheduling and hydration.

Political consequences

Local school boards and city councils often debate gum policies. The review offers scientific backing for a measured rethink: allowing chewing in controlled settings could help some students during dull or sustained tasks. A policy that permits gum with clear rules (no littering, no disruptive chewing) may appeal to officials valuing personal responsibility and classroom order.

Social effects

Residents juggling long commutes, caregiving and work may welcome simple tools for mild stress relief. Chewing gum can be an easy, discreet strategy to steady nerves before a public talk, meeting or interview — most helpful for routine, everyday stress rather than emergencies.

Cultural relevance

In a community that values self-reliance, a low-cost option like gum aligns with practical, do-it-yourself approaches to small problems. Still, community norms about public chewing and cleanliness must be considered; some schools, courts and workplaces may prefer strict rules to maintain decorum.

Practical applications

Redding schools, employers and civic groups could pilot small programs: allow sugar-free gum during long testing blocks, civil-service trainings, or for volunteers on long shifts — with rules on disposal and dental health education. Medical providers and local dentists should be consulted before recommending frequent chewing, especially for patients with TMJ or dental concerns.

For readers who want more

Bottom line: The Szczecin review advances understanding of chewing-gum effects on brain function, suggesting a modest role for gum in short-term attention and mild stress relief. Future, larger studies are needed to show whether neural shifts can translate into lasting, safe, practical programs in communities like Redding.