Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Mastic gum is traditionally used to support oral and dental health, a practice rooted in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean, particularly the Greek island of Chios. For centuries, people have chewed mastic resin to clean their teeth, freshen breath, and promote overall oral hygiene. The traditional use is based on mastic gum's natural antimicrobial properties, which are believed to help reduce harmful oral bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup and dental caries (cavities). Some historical texts and ethnobotanical records describe its role in maintaining healthy gums and teeth, and it was even used in ancient tooth-cleaning powders.

Modern scientific studies provide limited, but promising, evidence supporting these traditional uses. Preliminary in vitro studies have demonstrated that mastic gum can inhibit certain oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to dental caries. A few small human studies have reported that regular chewing of mastic gum can reduce bacterial counts in saliva and dental plaque. However, these studies are generally small in scale, and large, high-quality clinical trials are still lacking. The bulk of support for mastic gum in dental health thus comes from traditional use and early-stage research, rather than strong, conclusive scientific validation.

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