Mastic gum small tears are the smallest grade of pure Chios mastiha resin. They soften fast, so they are the easiest grade to chew. This guide is all about the chewing itself. You will learn how to chew them, how long a piece lasts, and how many to use at once. You will also see what to expect from the taste.
By Carl J., Owner · Last updated August 21, 2026
For the size and value details, see our guide to small tears mastic gum. For cooking and baking, see our Chios mastic gum small tears guide. Here, the focus is simple. It is about getting the most out of each chew.
What are mastic gum small tears used for?
Small tears are little drops of natural mastic resin from the island of Chios. Most people chew them. Chewing freshens breath and supports everyday oral care. It also gives the jaw a light, natural workout. So small tears suit anyone who wants an easy daily chew. They are pure resin, a single ingredient, with nothing added.
How do you chew small mastic gum tears?
Chewing mastic is a little different from chewing regular gum. The resin starts hard and brittle. Then it softens with warmth and time. Here is a simple way to do it.
- Take one or two small tears to start.
- Let them sit in your mouth for a few seconds to warm up.
- Chew gently at first. The pieces may crumble before they come together.
- Keep chewing. Within a minute or two, they turn into a smooth gum.
- Chew for as long as you like, then spit the resin out when you are done.
For fresh breath, chew after meals or first thing in the morning. The resin stimulates saliva, which helps rinse the mouth and leave it feeling clean.
How long does a small mastic tear last?
You can chew a single small tear for about 10 to 20 minutes. Small tears soften quickly, so they reach a smooth texture sooner than larger pieces. The chew itself can last as long as you want. However, the flavor is strongest in the first several minutes.
One tin goes a long way too. A Titans Jaw tin holds roughly 56 servings. At one serving a day, that is about a 4- to 8-week supply.
How much should you chew at once?
Start with one small tear if you are new to it. One piece softens into plenty of gum on its own. Once you are comfortable, you can chew two or three together. A larger wad lasts longer and gives the jaw more to work against. Many jaw trainers prefer that. Still, there is no need to overload your mouth. A small amount does the job.
What do mastic gum small tears taste like?
The taste is clean and distinctive. Think of pine and cedar with a faint sweetness. At the very first bite, the resin can taste slightly bitter. It may also feel a little chalky as it breaks up. That passes quickly. Once it softens, the flavor mellows into a fresh, woody note. Many people find it leaves the mouth feeling clean. That is why mastic has been a natural breath freshener for centuries.
Does it lose flavor?
Yes, and that is normal. Like any natural gum, small tears release their aroma over the first 10 to 20 minutes. After that, the flavor fades, and the piece becomes a neutral, chewy resin. So that is your cue to spit it out and start fresh. Unchewed tears keep their flavor for a long time. Just store them sealed in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
What is mastic gum in small tears? Small tears are the smallest grade of pure Chios mastic resin. They are little natural drops that soften quickly into a smooth gum. That makes them the easiest grade to chew.
How do I chew small tears? Start with one or two pieces. Let them warm in your mouth, then chew gently. They may crumble at first. Within a minute or two, they turn into a smooth gum.
How long does a piece last? You can chew one small tear for about 10 to 20 minutes. The chew can last longer, but the flavor is strongest in the first several minutes.
Can I chew more than one at a time? Yes. Beginners often start with one piece. Once you are used to it, chew two or three together. That makes a larger, longer-lasting chew that many jaw trainers prefer.
Does it lose flavor? Yes. The flavor fades after about 10 to 20 minutes as the resin releases its aroma. When it turns neutral, simply swap in a fresh piece.
About Titans Jaw
Titans Jaw offers 100 percent pure Chios mastic gum in small and medium tear grades. It lab tests every batch for purity, with no fillers or additives. Small tears are the easy, everyday grade for chewing. You can find them on the small tears product page and in the shop.
