Chewing gum may be the surprising new tool to recover smell and taste

NCT ID NCT07498062

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Nottingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether chewing flavored gum twice a day for 12 weeks could help people recover their sense of smell and taste. Thirty adults with smell or taste loss were split into three groups: one chewed flavored gum, one smelled liquid flavors, and one waited. The study aimed to see if this approach is practical and worth testing in a larger trial.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: chewing gum with flavor
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, at-home method to help people regain their sense of smell and taste after loss.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 30 people. It is designed to test feasibility, not effectiveness, so results may not lead to a proven treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Ageusia anosmia Dysgeusia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AGEUSIA ANOSMIA DYSGEUSIA PAROSMIA PHANTOSMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Nottingham

Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom

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