Laser hair reduction is widely used for removing unwanted hair. However, some patients experience excruciating pain while undergoing laser hair reduction on the upper lip area, usually due to sensitive gums, dental implants, braces, etc. The pain may be the result of the heat generated by the laser. To overcome this problem, conventionally, a silicone gel sheet1 or a wooden spatula covered with gauze2 is used to form a layer inside between the upper lip and the gums. Unfortunately, the wooden spatula is not flexible and the silicon sheet is not disposable, and availability is an issue in addition to the extra cost.

To overcome this problem, we have been using chewing gum or bubble gum to form an insulating layer between lips and gums for some time. The patient is asked to chew a few pieces of chewing gum according to the area that needs to be covered over the teeth. After the chewing gum becomes soft, the patient can cover their gums and teeth on his/her own with the gentle pressure of the tongue to manipulate the shape of the chewing gum along the contour of the gums and teeth [Figure 1]. Keeping the chewing gum in the mouth may also divert the patient’s attention and has the added advantage of eliminating bad odour during the procedure. Chewing gum is freely available, disposable, and mouldable, unlike the wooden spatula and silicon sheet. Thus, this technique can serve as an economical, time-saving, and effective method to alleviate pain for patients undergoing laser hair reduction on the upper lip.

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