Gum Chewing and Cognition: An Overview

Lara Tucha, Janneke Koerts

Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

DOI: 10.4236/nm.2012.33028                

Abstract

In recent years, there was a debate about the effects of gum chewing on various aspects of cognitive functioning. In this review, the results of previous studies are presented and summarized. There is a clear indication that gum chewing can improve various aspects of cognitive functioning including memory, attention and both executive and intellectual functioning. However, there is also clear evidence that chewing gum during cognitive tasks can adversely affect task performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that the replication of (beneficial or detrimental) effects of gum chewing on cognition has been proven to be very difficult. Consequently, the robustness of reported effects of gum chewing on cognition has to be questioned. Suggestions for future research are given.

Keywords

Gum Chewing; Mastication; Cognition; Memory; Review

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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