Dentists warn that using hard gum to chisel jawlines may do more harm than good for Gen Z boys.

Teenagers, including young men, have always struggled with impossible beauty standards. This struggle is particularly evident online, where Gen Z boys have recently embraced a new trend.

You can find numerous TikTok videos featuring young men aged 18 to 22, showcasing chewing gum that claims to enhance their jawlines.

The young men in the videos assert that they consistently chew the tough gum for 10 minutes daily.

Teen boys who follow the trend of wanting to look like models and influencers online are under pressure to achieve perfection due to the beauty standards perpetuated by social media, according to a poll by skincare company Curology.

As we age, we tend to become more reserved and less cheeky in our appearance. To quickly transition into an adult look, some people may choose to trim their faces and consume hard substances, according to Tyrone Rodriguez, a dentist with over 20 years of experience.

"However, the truth is that individuals must simply accept their current stage of youth."

These "facial-fitness gums," sold by brands such as Jawliner, Jawz Gum, and Stronger Gum, claim to help create a more defined jawline. Some of these products are priced at $22.

Rodriguez, an American Dental Association spokesperson, comments on the trend of chewing gum for weight loss and its safety.

'You can actually create more harm than good'

Rodriguez claims that our diets have influenced the formation of our faces and jaws throughout history.

"Our facial muscles, which are linked to our jaw, aid in opening, closing, and chewing. The intensity of our food determines how much these muscles are exercised."

Dentists informed The New York Times that any noticeable changes in a person's jawline sharpness resulting from consuming hard foods daily would be minimal and fleeting.

A 2019 study revealed that a diet of hard foods altered the jaw structure of mice. Companies promoting their gum as a tool for chiseling a person's jawline frequently cite a 2018 study with 19 participants that linked chewing gum to a stronger bite force, according to the NYT.

"Rodriguez tells CNBC Make It that he would compare it to going to the gym, emphasizing that it's important not to overdo it."

Eating hard gum can cause soreness and joint problems if you're not accustomed to tougher foods. It's better to avoid it to prevent further harm.

The ADA's "ADA Morning Huddle" newsletter highlighted the potential for inflammation and jaw pain from excessive chewing gum use, as well as the possibility of certain facial-fitness gum varieties containing caffeine and vitamin B5, which can act as a laxative in high doses.

Jawliner's spokesperson advised the NYT that chewing their product for more than 10 minutes every other day could result in injury.

Rodriguez advises that if you experience pain, shifting in how you bite, such as biting your tongue or cheek more, or suddenly getting headaches, stop immediately.

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