Chewing gum is a culinary product that consists of an inedible elastic base and various flavoring and aromatic additives.

In the process of use, chewing gum practically does not decrease in volume, but all the fillers gradually dissolve, after which the base becomes tasteless and is usually thrown away. Many types of chewing gum can be blown into bubbles for fun, which in English-speaking countries has given it another name, Bubble Gum (that is, something like "bubble gum").

background

The prototypes of modern chewing gum can be found in any part of the world. It is known that even the ancient Greeks chewed the resin of the mastic tree to freshen their breath and clean their teeth from food debris. For this, beeswax was also used. The Mayan tribes used hardened hevea juice - rubber - as chewing gum. In the North of America, the Indians chewed the resin of coniferous trees, which they evaporated over a fire. In Siberia, the so-called Siberian tar was used, which was not only used to clean teeth, but also strengthened the gums, and also treated various diseases. In India and Southeast Asia, a mixture of pepper betel leaves, areca palm seeds and lime became the prototype of modern chewing gum (more details in article Bethel). This composition not only disinfected the oral cavity, but was also considered an aphrodisiac. In some Asian countries, it is still chewed. In Europe, the first prerequisites for the use of chewing gum appeared in the 16th century, when sailors brought tobacco from India. Gradually, the habit spread further to the United States. This went on for three hundred years, as all attempts to replace chewing tobacco with wax, paraffin, or other substances were unsuccessful. The world's first chewing gum factory was founded in Bangor, Maine, USA. Since then, the history of chewing gum has developed at a rapid pace. Until that time, the production of chewing gum was not an independent industry, and chewing gum itself was not a commercially distributed part of consumer goods. Thanks to the assembly line, chewing gum became a commodity, and the fashion for chewing gum spread from America to all over the world.

First experiences.

1848 John Curtis establishes industrial production of chewing gum. There are only four boilers in his factory. In one of the coniferous resins, impurities were evaporated, in the rest, a mass was prepared for products with the addition of light flavorings. The first chewing gums were called "White Mountain", "Sugar Cream" and "Lulu's Licorice".

1850s. Production is expanding. Curtis is now helped by his brother. Chewing gum is cut into cubes. The first paper wrapper appears. Chewing gum is sold for a cent for two. The brothers' Curtis Chewing Gum Company is building a new factory in Portland. More than 200 people are employed in production. The range of products is expanding. There are chewing gums "Four in Hand", "American Flag", "Pine Highway", "Yanke Pine", etc. 1860s. The Curtis brothers' products never made it outside of Maine. Unsightly appearance and poor cleaning (even pine needles came across in chewing gum) scared off buyers. The outbreak of the Civil War completely forced the curtailment of production. 1869 Renowned New York photographer Thomas Adams purchases a large shipment of rubber from Mexican General Antonio de Santa Anna. After unsuccessful experiments in vulcanization, in artisanal conditions, he produces chewing gum like the Mexican chicle. Chewing gum is wrapped in bright multicolored candy wrappers and sold in several stores.

Patented chewing gum

1870s. Thomas Adams builds a chewing gum factory. Sales rise to 100 thousand pieces per year. The first chewing gum flavored with licorice appears, which has its own name - black jack.

1871. Thomas Adams receives the first patent for a machine for industrial production chewing gum. Adams' New York Gum sells for 5 cents each (a dollar a box). To many apothecaries, Adams is giving away the first batches free of charge on the condition that they display samples in their display cases. 1880s. William J. White, also known as P. T. Barnum (from the English barn - granary) creates Yucatan chewing gum by mixing rubber with cereal syrup and adding peppermint. John Colgan for the first time adds flavorings and sugar before combining it with rubber mass. This allows the finished chewing gum to retain its flavor and aroma much longer. The patent for this invention was subsequently purchased by William Wrigley, the founder of the Wrigley Company. Popularizing chewing gum among girls, entrepreneur Jonathan Primley creates the brand Kiss me! 1888 The Adams factory invents Tutti-Frutti, a fruit-flavoured chewing gum that becomes extremely popular in America.

1871. Apothecary John Colgan of Louisville, USA, mistakenly received 1,500 pounds (680.39 kg) of rubber instead of 100 pounds (45.36 kg) he ordered. He founded Colgan's Taffy Tolu Chewing Gum.

1888 The first chewing gum vending machines appeared. They belonged to the Adams Tutti-Frutti company and were located at train stations in New York.

A woman buys chewing gum on a Tokyo street.

1891 A new player enters the market - the Wrigley company, which manages to press the Adams factory in a short time. William Wrigley, a soap maker, notes that Americans prefer not his main product, but Lotta and Vassar chewing gums, which were offered "in the appendage". A resourceful entrepreneur quickly reorients production.

1893 At the Wrigley Factory

start producing mint

chewing gum

Spearmint and fruity

1899 Franklin W. Canning, manager of a New York City pharmacy, introduces for the first time a special chewing gum to the market, which, according to advertising, "prevents tooth decay and freshens breath." She gets the name Dentyne. Its distinguishing feature is its unique pink color.

As a result of the merger of Adams Gum (T. Adams Jr.), Yucatan Gum (W. White), Beeman's Gum (E. Beeman), Kiss-Me Gum (J. Primpi) and S. T. Britten (S. Britten), American Chicle. Modern chewing gum

1914 The emergence of the brand Wrigley Doublemint

1919 William Wrigley Jr. achieved astronomical growth of his business in an unconventional way - he sent a piece of gum to all Americans whose addresses were in the phone book.

Sign on the International Casino Building, Manhattan's Times Square Times Square, New York.

The Wrigley Building in Chicago.

Two girls look at signs at Piccadilly Circus that include an advertisement for Wrigley gum.

1928 Twenty-three-year-old accountant Walter Diemer

developed the ideal chewing gum formula that is still followed today: 20% rubber, 60% sugar (or its substitutes), 19% corn syrup and 1% flavoring. A feature of this chewing gum is much greater elasticity. Diemer called his chewing gum Dubble Bubble because bubbles could be blown out of it. The chewing gum changed color to pink, which especially attracted children.

From an interview with Walter Diemer in 1996: It happened quite by accident. I was doing something incomprehensible, and ended up doing something incomprehensible with bubbles ... In the same year, the Thomas Brothers Candy Company was founded, a feature of which was an unusual location: in an old poison factory in Memphis (Tennessee). 1930s. William Wrigley comes up with a new marketing ploy. Baseball champs and comic book inserts that used to be sold with cigarettes are being sold with chewing gum. Pictures were produced in limited editions, so they became a collector's item.

Inserts from chewing gums Turbo

1930s. William Wrigley comes up with a new marketing ploy. Baseball champs and comic book inserts that used to be sold with cigarettes are being sold with chewing gum. The pictures were produced in limited editions, so they became the subject of

collectibles.

Gum pictures are starting to catch on. The most famous series of the late 30s - early 40s: G-Men, Horror "s of War, Mickey Mouse, Wild We>

Columbia University professor Hollingworth publishes the scientific work "Psychodynamics of chewing", in which he proves that chewing affects the reduction of muscle tension and helps to relax, relieving stress. Chewing gum is included in the soldier's ration (one piece of chewing gum is included in the daily ration).

1933 Inserts for chewing gum are produced on thick cardboard.

An unusual "charcoal chewing gum" appears on sale, which is advertised on packages of Mounds and other candies of the Peter Paul company.

1939 By decision of the Commission on Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics, chewing gum is included in the classification of food products. Manufacturers were relieved of the need to sign all the ingredients on the packaging. Wrigley opens a factory in New Zealand.

1944 Wrigley's Orbit brand enters the market. Chewing gum is produced specifically for American soldiers. Dubble Bubble releases chewing gum with two new flavors - grape and apple

and over time even with this:]

1954 The Dubble Bubble Company organizes the first television bubble gum competition.

1956 The Bowman Company merges with Topps Chewing Gum. murol Confections Company launches Blammo sugar-free soft chewing gum. Coolmint Gum with a penguin on the package from the Lotte Company enters the market. Chewing gum begins to produce Kent Gida. The presidential campaign uses chewing gum for advertising and political purposes. It comes in the form of cigars and encourages voters to vote for certain candidates. 1962 The Guinness Book of Records has named the world's most overgrown gum chewer. She became Mary Francis Stubbs, who at that time was 106 years old. 1964 The Tijuana Brass orchestra is recording music for the Teaberry Gum advertising campaign. The composition makes the orchestra famous. Wrigley's first Freedent chewing gums hit the market.

1962 The Guinness Book of Records has named the world's most overgrown gum chewer. She became Mary Francis Stubbs, who at that time was 106 years old.

1964 The Tijuana Brass orchestra is recording music for the Teaberry Gum advertising campaign. The composition makes the orchestra famous.

Wrigley's first Freedent chewing gums hit the market.

Modern chewing gum consists primarily of a chewing base (mainly synthetic polymers), to which components are sometimes added derived from the sap of the Sapodilla tree or from the resin of coniferous trees.

Experts recommend using chewing gum only immediately after meals and no more than five minutes a day. Otherwise, it promotes the release of gastric juice into an empty stomach, which can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers and gastritis. However, after eating, in people suffering from heartburn, chewing gum helps relieve its symptoms. The secreted saliva, which has an alkaline reaction, is swallowed. The acidic contents of the lower third of the esophagus are neutralized. At the same time, a constant supply of saliva ensures the clearance of the lower third of the esophagus.

Some soluble components of chewing gum are unfavorable for the body if they enter it in large quantities. For example,

sorbitol, a widely used sugar substitute in

chewing gum, laxative

action, which manufacturers warn about on the packaging

With weakness of the dental ligament, with periodontal disease

gum can contribute to tooth loss.

Another myth about chewing gum is that chewing gum can cause a filling to fall out. Correctly placed fillings do not fall out from chewing gum. If the filling fell out, this indicates either a poorly installed filling, or ongoing caries.

or tooth decay. However, there is a danger to the jaw joints.

Interesting Facts

The biggest chewing gum bubble ever

recorded in July 1994 at the ABC television studio in New York. It was inflated by Susan Mantgomery from the USA, the diameter of the bubble was 58.5 centimeters (this is more than the size in the shoulders of an adult man of average build).

The damage caused by chewing gum to the street exterior when it hits sidewalks, house walls, benches, etc. is called gumfitti. Scientists around the world have been struggling for many years to create chemicals that would dissolve chewing gum without harming the environment. For harmless disposal, they come up with very unusual methods. So, in the city of San Luis Obispo (California) for forty years there has been a wall on which everyone can stick their chewing gum. This is a local attraction. The wall is covered with rubber in several layers. In German Bosholt, tree branches are used for the same purpose.

I will add more

Chewing gum made of resin and pine needles

The origin of chewing gum has a long history. Even the ancient Greeks and Mayans chewed resin and viscous tree sap to tune in to meditation. Later, settlers from Europe adopted this tradition from the Indians, and began to chew pine resin and beeswax, including for the prevention of throat diseases.

The first attempt to industrialize the prototype of modern pine resin chewing gum can be considered a small business of John B. Curtis of Maine. It was organized in 1848. Resin chewing gum was not very popular, because it was difficult to remove unnecessary impurities from pine resin at that time, and not many people knew about the existence of a new product.

Resin chewing gum was not very popular because it was difficult to remove unwanted impurities from pine resin at that time.

December 28, 1869 is considered to be the birthday of modern chewing gum. William F. Semple, an Ohio dentist, received a patent for chewing gum. The patent was vague about the creation of "a certain combination of rubber with other substances, in different proportions, suitable for making chewing gum."

Sample didn't make gum to sell. He was more interested in the process of invention and improvement. He probably did not believe in the possibility of the success of his invention on the market - the unsuccessful experience of his predecessors did not inspire.

Gum instead of bike tires

In the same 1869, an inventor and photographer from New York - Thomas Adams - purchased a ton of Mexican rubber from the former President and General of Mexico, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, for the production of rubber.

He was going to make toys, bicycle tires and shoes, but he noticed that some Mexicans were chewing the raw material for rubber - chicle. Adams decided to brew a small batch of rubber gum in his kitchen. The resulting substance was quite chewable.

Two similar inventions by two different people. The first came up and forgot, the second decided to try his luck.

Thomas Adams exhibited a trial batch of the new product in several local stores. Customers appreciated the product, and soon Thomas Adams' business took off. In 1871, Adams designed and patented a machine for the automatic production of chewing gum. In addition, he added licorice extract to the base to improve the taste and smell and, as a result, increase sales.

Thomas Adams called the world's first flavored chewing gum Black Jack. It had the shape of an even oblong stick. Adams' New York Gum sold for 5 cents each (a dollar a box). To many apothecaries, Adams distributed the first batches free of charge on the condition that they display samples in their display cases.

In 1888, Adams' "Tutti-Frutti" chewing gum vending machines appeared in the United States. They were placed at electric train stations in crowded New York.

Soapmaker produces chewing gum

For a time, Adams had a monopoly on chewing gum. But progress does not stand still, and a successful product that is in demand is difficult to keep in one hand. Already at the beginning of the twentieth century, a fairly large number of chewing gum manufacturers entered the market and began to compete for consumer attention. Among the manufacturing companies, Wrigley's, known to this day, occupied a special place.

This transnational corporation was founded in 1891 under very unexpected circumstances. Successful soap salesman William Wrigley once noticed that customers came to his store not only for the soap, but also for the two sticks of Lotta and Vassar chewing gum that came with the purchase.

Wrigley realized that this circumstance could be used to expand business areas. So from a seller of soap, he retrained into a manufacturer of chewing gum - Wrigley.

Chewing gum for free and let no one leave offended

In 1893, the factory began producing Spearmint mint chewing gum and Juicy Fruit. William Wrigley became a real innovator in the chewing gum market. He changed the traditional form, dividing the usual bars into five separate plates. The plates were wrapped in waxed paper so that they would not stick to each other.

Advertisements for Wrigley products began to appear on the sides of streetcars and omnibuses. Girls (prototypes of modern promoters) handed out chewing gum for free on the streets of megacities to attract the attention of buyers and taste a new product.

A stick of chewing gum was given to every immigrant who entered the United States through Ellis Island.

Wrigley Corporation developed at a galloping pace in the United States, and soon entered the world market. In 1910, the company built its first out-of-state plant in Canada. In 1915, a factory was built in Australia. Wrigley did not skimp on advertising campaigns that followed one after another.

To popularize chewing gum among children, the book "Mother Goose" was published with poems and colorful illustrations. For promotional purposes, sticks of chewing gum were sent to all New Yorkers whose names were listed in the city's telephone directory.

Later, a stick of chewing gum was given to every immigrant who entered the United States through Ellis Island. As a result, William Wrigley's chewing gum became a symbol of America.

To date, Wrigley has entered the markets of more than 180 countries around the world. The corporation includes 15 factories around the world. Wrigley is one of the largest confectionery manufacturers in the world.

and chewing gum - one of the symbols of America and the cherished dream of the Soviet child - was patented exactly 140 years ago. The dentist who copyrighted the gum claimed that his mixture of rubber, chalk, and charcoal was good for teeth, and one piece could last weeks or months. Now doctors are not so clear about the benefits of "bubble gum".

Chewing gum (chewing gum) is a special culinary product that consists of an inedible elastic base and various flavoring and aromatic additives. In the process of use, chewing gum practically does not decrease in volume, but all the fillers gradually dissolve, after which the base becomes tasteless and is usually thrown away. Bubble gum can be blown out of many types of gum as entertainment, which in English-speaking countries has given it another name Bubble Gum (that is, something like "bubble rubber").

Ancestors of chewing man

The history of chewing gum goes back centuries. The very first chewing gum dates back to the Stone Age, VII-II millennia BC. In 2007, during excavations in Finland, a 5,000-year-old piece of resin was found with imprints of human teeth.

It is known that even the ancient Greeks chewed the resin of the mastic tree to freshen their breath. The Mayan Indians used the congealed sap of the sapodilla tree to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. They called this chewy mixture “chicle”. Much later, it served as the basis for the industrial production of chewing gum.

Generation G

The fashion for chewing gum in the world appeared after the Second World War. American military personnel, whose ration included chewing gum, introduced this product to the inhabitants of Asia, Africa and Europe. Gum began to be produced in Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France and other countries.

Chewing gum was not produced in the Soviet Union for a long time, and the Soviet analogues that appeared in the 1970s were inferior to foreign ones in terms of elasticity and packaging design.

"Imported chewing gum" was a kind of cult object among Soviet children and teenagers. Wrappers and inserts from her were collected, exchanged for various trifles, played or argued for them.

Undeniable benefit...

There is a lot of controversy about the benefits and harms of chewing gum. Gum manufacturers prove the usefulness of their product. First of all, it is an opportunity to clean the teeth and oral cavity from food debris after eating, freshness of breath.

Chinese astronauts even brush their teeth with special chewing gum, not being able to use an ordinary toothbrush in space. And during the years of prohibition in the United States, in bars that illegally sold alcohol, chewing gum was handed out to visitors to drown out the smell of alcohol.

In addition to mechanical cleaning of the oral cavity, thanks to sweeteners (sorbitol, xylitol) in modern chewing gum, the acid-base balance is restored.

Interesting

The whitening properties of chewing gum are greatly exaggerated, chewing gum is completely unable to remove plaque: it is too tenacious for it. A small exception is chewing gum with hard granules in its composition, which can slightly “scratch” the surface of the tooth. However, no gum can replace a full-fledged brushing with toothpaste.

In addition, chewing gum is used by airplane passengers to avoid problems with stuffy ears. And recently, scientists said that chewing gum without sugar "burns" kilograms.

...and undoubted harm

These and other arguments are counterbalanced by the fact that if chewed too often, chewing gum has a negative effect on tooth enamel. In addition, excessive chewing contributes to the development of gastritis, since when a person chews, gastric juice is released, which irritates the gastric mucosa.

Last year, British doctors said that excessive use of gum can even lead to indigestion with serious consequences.

From constant chewing, the temporomandibular joint, the one that connects the temporal bone and the lower jaw, can suffer. If this joint is inflamed, chewing is not recommended.

sticky trash

Used chewing gum causes the most indisputable harm to city streets, public transport, etc. Thus, about 3 kg of old chewing gum is collected daily at the New York Central Station. AT English language there is even a special term for chewing gum on walls and sidewalks - gumfitti.

Not surprisingly, in Singapore, for example, chewing gum is illegal.

"Gum Alley" "Gum Alley"

Illegal

But gum, regardless of brand or taste, has never been a product that everyone likes. In the 1970s, some American doctors considered it harmful, because, in their opinion, it "exhausted the salivary glands and could lead to sticking of the internal organs." In the 1950s and 1960s, orthodontists forbade it to patients with corrective braces on their teeth due to the fact that it was considered impossible to clean it with a toothbrush. The ban on chewing gum then extended to American schools. But the most famous case of chewing gum being illegal is the ban on its import and sale in Singapore, introduced by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in 1992. The punishment for illegal distribution is a large fine and even imprisonment for up to two years. Thus, the authorities of the southeastern state, known for its impeccable cleanliness, wanted to rid sidewalks, buildings and public transport of black spots left by chewing gum. However, in the battle between money and purity, the former won. In 2004, thanks to a free trade agreement between the United States and Singapore, the ban was lifted. However, now in Singapore only chewing gum with medicinal properties(anti-nicotine), and when buying it, an identity card is still required.

The economic side of the cleanliness of the streets are also concerned in Europe. The fine of 450 euros in force in Barcelona for chewing gum thrown in a public place does not save: about 1,800 stains from it are wiped off by city services daily, spending 100,000 euros per year on this. In November 2010, the Spanish government decided that the local chewing gum was too sticky and decided to change its composition - the issue is being considered in the production of a polymer used in the creation of plastic and in the cosmetic industry. In the UK, chewing gum with similar properties appeared in March 2010. Chicza, imported by the British from Mexico, not only does not stick to the floor, but is also biodegradable.

Website materials used: http://liveinukraine.livejournal.com

Modern chewing gum consists of the following ingredients:

• chewing base (20-30%), represented by various resins and paraffin, which allow the gum to soften easily at oral temperature;
• · sweeteners (60%) - glucose or food sugar, or sweeteners;
• flavor additives;
• composition stabilizers (usually glycerin);
• flavors;
• · emulsifiers;
• dyes

Chewing gum of a traditional composition has cleansing properties, has a refreshing and deodorizing effect. Abrasives, for example, sodium and calcium phosphates, calcium carbonate, kaolin, etc., have been included in the composition of chewing gums. Chewing gums have been proposed that prevent the deposition of plaque.

According to the classification, simple, hygienic and preventive chewing gums are distinguished.

Simple chewing gums (sugar-containing) help clean teeth from plaque, stimulate salivation, and have a caries-producing effect by lowering the pH of saliva.

Hygienic chewing gums contain simple sweeteners, help to clean teeth from plaque, stimulate salivation, and are neutral in relation to the organs and tissues of the oral cavity.

Prophylactic (modern) chewing gums have a more complex composition, which includes several sweeteners and pro-Z crystals. These gums have cleansing properties, neutralize the acid in the mouth and restore the pH of the oral fluid.

Sugar-free prophylactic chewing gums are therapeutic and prophylactic oral hygiene products and must be certified as such. Mandatory certification of prophylactic chewing gums was introduced by the Ministry of Health and the State Standard of Russia and is carried out in order to block the path of low-quality products and help the consumer figure out which products will improve his health and are guaranteed not to harm him. When certifying chewing gums, specialists conduct thorough studies of their properties, including laboratory and clinical ones. The central body for certification of oral hygiene products in the Russian Federation is the Profident Center. So, in this center, the products of the leading manufacturers of chewing gums were certified: the Wrigley company - chewing gums "Wrigley`s Spearmint", records "Wrigley`s Doublemint", "Orbit Peppermint", dragee "Orbit Winterfresh", dragee "Orbit for children ", etc. and firms "Dandy" - "Dirol Effect with carbamide", "Stimorol without sugar", etc.

According to certification, all chewing gums of these companies do not contain sugar.

What qualities can be identified as the most basic in terms of classifying this chewing gum as a therapeutic and prophylactic oral hygiene product? This is, first of all, the absence of sugar and its replacement with sweeteners - xylitol and sorbitol, their combinations and derivatives.

Sweeteners, which are part of chewing gum, can have an anti-caries effect.

Another property that makes it possible to attribute chewing gum to the category of therapeutic and prophylactic is the presence of additional ingredients in it that enhance their anti-caries effect. An example of such ingredients are fluorides, calcium salts.

According to the Bulgarian academician Todor Dichev, most chewing gums, instead of protecting teeth and gums, contain components that themselves are the cause of such diseases of the teeth, gums and oral cavity as caries, periodontal disease.

After analyzing the composition of the most popular chewing gums (Orbit, Dirol, Stimorol) and identifying the components contained in them: sweeteners, rubber base, natural, identical to natural and artificial flavors, stabilizer E 422, thickener E 414, emulsifier E 322, dye E 171, glaze E 903, antioxidant E 320.

From the reference book "Sanitary rules and norms of SanPin" I found out that:

• - stabilizer E 422 is glycerin, when absorbed into the blood, it has strong toxic properties, causing quite serious blood diseases, for example, such as hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, and kidney infarctions;
• - emulsifier E 322 is lecithin, it is obtained, as a rule, from soy. This valuable substance is an important supplier of phosphorus for our body and helps regulate fat metabolism. Lecithins accelerate salivation, which in turn can lead to a gradual disruption of the digestive tract;
• - antioxidant E 320 is butylhydrohydroxyanisole, with frequent use of products containing an antioxidant, cholesterol levels in the blood increase;
• - acid E 330 is citric acid, long and uncontrolled use citric acid can cause serious blood disorders;
• - thickener E 414 is gum arabic;
• - glaze E 903 is carnauba wax, it gives gloss and shine to the product, the glaze shell does not allow the product to dry out, does not allow fat from the inside and moisture from the outside;
• - natural flavors, identical to natural and artificial, in order to produce natural flavors, use fruits, berries, leaves, flowers and other natural raw materials. identical natural flavors are obtained when a small amount of chemically synthesized substances is added to a natural extract. Such flavors are of high quality and rich taste, while absolutely harmless to health.

These ingredients in certain proportions and concentrations do not pathologically affect the human body.

It is difficult to find a person in the modern civilized world who has no idea about chewing gum. People have always chewed something, only for different purposes. In ancient times, teeth were cleaned in this way, chewing muscles were developed, and nerves were calmed. As chewing gum, our ancestors most often used birch resin. Only at the end of the XIX century. began to chew natural rubber, adding various substances to it to improve the taste.

In 1928, the first commercially successful chewing gum, Dubble Bubble, was released. After that, the composition of the gum is constantly changing, new substances are added to improve the taste, color, smell. Rubber is a natural polymer derived from latex that makes up the elastic base of chewing gum. It is also used for the manufacture of rubber, shoes, glue.

What is chewing gum made of?

The basis of modern chewing gum is rubber. Also, various flavors, dyes and sweeteners are added to it.

1. Latex - the basis of chewing gum, is considered harmless.
2. Flavorings (natural or identical to them, capable of causing allergies).
3. Dyes (all kinds of E are far from harmless substances, many of them have a carcinogenic property).
4. Sweeteners (sugar promotes tooth decay, aspartame can cause headaches and nausea, sorbitol and xylitol are known laxatives).

Is there any benefit?

Undoubtedly, chewing gum must have some positive properties, otherwise its distribution and use is pointless. And she has such advantages. Firstly, chewing gum still helps to clean the teeth, which is loudly shouted by advertising. Chewing after a meal improves the condition of the mouth, the consistency of the gum helps food residues stick to it, and thus they are removed. Secondly, during chewing, saliva is actively produced - a natural tooth cleaner. The refreshing effect of chewing gum is undeniable, however, it has a short-term effect, masking (if any), and not eliminating the cause. The act of chewing itself has been proven to be soothing, no matter what. Chewing gum has a suitable consistency and properties, does not change in volume over time and does not dissolve, so you can chew it for a long time and measuredly, putting your nerves in order. True, the long-term result of the action of such an anti-stress is difficult to track.

Is chewing gum a pest?

In addition to positive properties, chewing gum and its improper use has a number of negative properties. During chewing, the saliva released, which has an alkaline reaction, inevitably enters the stomach, reducing its acidity. In response to this, the production of an additional amount of gastric juice, the basis of which is hydrochloric acid, begins. If this happens on an empty stomach, problems cannot be avoided, because the aggressive action of the acid is directed primarily to the walls of the stomach itself. The constant irritating effect of gastric juice contributes to the development of gastritis and. The next point that should be noted is the harm of constant stimulation of the salivary glands, in which at first a lot of saliva is released, and then its deficiency develops. This phenomenon can contribute to the development of xerostomia - pathological dryness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. , breakage of prostheses and braces, overload of the periodontal tissues in periodontal diseases - this can also be facilitated by prolonged chewing of gum. The composition of the gum includes various preservatives, dyes, flavors, stabilizers and thickeners, all of which enter the body and have their far from positive effects.

Chewing and brain function

Many have known since childhood that eating and reading are things that are difficult to combine, either food or information is not absorbed. Chewing gum not only calms, but also inhibits brain activity, reducing attention, preventing concentration. Although someone may disagree with these statements, this is already a personal matter for everyone.

Culture and gum

Eating should take place in places designated for this. In today's fast-moving and accelerating world, we do everything quickly, on the go. Having a snack during a trip to the subway, on the street, in the car, a person does not think about how much this corresponds to culture and etiquette. As a continuation of the meal - chewing gum, dragging on for a long time. People are constantly in a hurry, experiencing stress, chewing gum in such a situation helps to calm down, only such a habit has nothing to do with culture. A well-mannered person respects other people and is unlikely to chew during a conversation, in a theater or on a TV screen. Self-confidence will not increase in any way with the help of chewing gum, although many believe the opposite and actively demonstrate this.

Rules for using chewing gum

Chewing gum should be used immediately after eating and no more than 10-15 minutes.

• Chewing gum should only be used for oral hygiene after eating, when it is not possible to brush your teeth.
• You need to chew while the gum has a taste (about 5-10 minutes). This time is enough to remove the remnants of food from the oral cavity.
• Do not use chewing gum on an empty stomach or in case of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Buy high-quality chewing gums, avoiding products from third world countries.
• Do not use chewing gum for chronic gum disease, multiple fillings in the oral cavity, pathological abrasion of teeth.

Popular Representatives

Wrigley brand Orbit chewing gums have a wide range of different flavors and are very popular, produced since 1944. The same company produces chewing gums such as Hubba Bubba, Juicy Fruit, Eclipse, Extra, Big Red. Dirol chewing gum has been known since 1968 and was the first sugar-free gum. In Russia, it appeared only in the early 90s. Chewing gums are produced in the form of dragees or plates, with liquid filler or as part of lollipops, for every taste and color.

Xylitol

In 1988, the European Dental Association recommended chewing gum with xylitol after each meal as a preventative measure. Xylitol (E-967) is a sugar substitute that is poorly absorbed by the body. It does not ferment, plaque bacteria cannot use it as food, which explains it. Xylitol acts as a laxative, the maximum allowable daily dose is about 30 g.

To chew or not to chew?

The fashion for chewing gum in our country appeared in the 90s. of the last century and steadily entrenched among young people. To chew or not - it is up to each individual to decide for himself. It is worth remembering the rules for using chewing gum and avoid too long and frequent use of it. As a hygiene product, chewing gum is recommended by dentists, but only as a means of cleaning teeth after meals for short-term use. In children, the use of chewing gum is recommended in cases where it is not possible to brush their teeth. It is worth thinking about what substances will enter the baby's body at the time of chewing gum, and weigh the appropriateness of its use at an early age, before contributing to the formation of a bad chewing habit in a child.

Gum is a common product, loved and used by people of all ages. It seems to be a technological innovation. In fact, chewing gum has an interesting, centuries-old history.

History of chewing gum

People have long used the gifts of nature for various purposes, knowing their useful and harmful properties. Minerals and insects were used. Plant roots have been useful for oral hygiene.

Maya Indians used ancient chewing gum, it was a substance made from rubber juice - chicle. There is evidence that people in northern Europe used birch resin to relieve toothache. The Aztecs had norms of behavior associated with this remedy. Unmarried women and children were allowed to chew whenever they wanted, married women and widows at home, and men were ordered to hide.

People have known about the product since antiquity. The inhabitants of North America adopted this useful experience from the Indians.

Important! Chewing gum in its usual form appeared in 1848. September 23 is officially recognized as her birthday.

At this time, the Curtis brothers came up with the idea of ​​​​mixing pine resin with beeswax and selling this invention. The chewing gum was a good success. This allowed to increase production volumes in 1850. Then paraffin flavors were added to the composition, and 4 brands of chewing gums were produced.

In 1869, dentist William Semple patented chewing gum made from rubber. Its members included: charcoal, chalk, fragrances. He assured that chewing gum has properties useful for teeth and is durable. Due to unclear circumstances, the product did not pass to mass production.

According to legend, in 1869, a general who fled from Mexico met the inventor Thomas Adams and sold chicle (rubber). He failed to create a substitute for rubber. Then the inventor boiled rubber and made chewing gum, which was quickly sold out in local shops.

He then introduced licorice flavoring. Black Jack was born, the first flavored chewing gum. In 1871, Adams received a patent for an apparatus for mass production of a product. In 1888, Tutti Frutti appeared. Pharmacist John Colgan suggested adding flavoring to the mixture before adding sugar. Now the smell and taste stayed longer.

The seller, William Wrigley, noticed that the gum was in demand by buyers and decided to improve the manufacturing method. In 1892 they produced "Wrigley's Spearmint", a year later - "Wrigley's Juicy Fruit". These types of chewing gum hold the first lines of world sales even now. Wrigley came up with the idea to add mint, powdered sugar and other flavors, to produce gum in different shapes.

Important! In 1928, Walter Diemer invented a chewing gum with an interesting feature that makes it easy to blow bubbles: "bubble gum".

The researcher improved the product of Frank Flir, which was not in demand. Chewing gum really liked the children as entertainment. Competitions were held among her fans. In 1994, they set a world record: a bubble of 30.8 cm was inflated. Then they did not think about the benefits, properties or dangers of chewing gum.

After 1945, thanks to the soldiers, the whole world learned about it. In the USSR, there were only Soviet analogues that did not have pleasant properties, in ugly packaging. In the 1990s, foreign chewing gum wrappers were collected and used for games.

Composition of chewing gum

Chewing gum contains:

• base: rubber or other synthetic polymers - 20-30%;
• food sugar or sweeteners - 60%;
• flavor enhancers;
• stabilizers (more often - glycerin);
• aroma enhancers;
• emulsifiers (based on egg yolk);
• dyes;
• thickener E414;
• lemon acid;
• titanium dioxide (provides a snow-white color);
• preservative (antioxidant).

It has changed a lot compared to the ancient chewing gum. These are the main components. The content of the listed substances in popular types of chewing gum:

Is chewing gum good?

You might think that its properties are extremely harmful. The media actively promotes the positive effect of chewing gum on teeth.

Active salivation

Microbial colonies form on the teeth within 2 hours after brushing. They process the remnants of food, while forming acids that destroy the enamel. The result is caries. During chewing, saliva is reflexively released, which has a slightly alkaline ph and contains mineral components. The properties of chewing gum really strengthen tooth enamel, neutralize the environment, but not due to its composition.

Intestinal motility and secretion are reflexively activated. A person recovers faster after an operation on the intestines and moves on to everyday food thanks to chewing gum.

Cleansing the mouth and teeth

Important! Teeth after chewing gum become cleaner. Having a viscous consistency, it attaches food residues to itself, contributing to cleansing, but not in all cases.

The teeth have a pronounced anatomy - deep pits, may be crowded. Then food and plaque clog in there. But according to dentists, the benefits of the properties of chewing gum after eating are.

Jaw strengthening

You can use chewing gum as an unusual simulator. This is a useful feature. When chewing, the load on the teeth and their ligaments falls, then on the jawbone and muscles. This useful property helps to develop the maxillofacial skeleton in children.

Helps to calm down

The chewing gum has a pleasant taste and a cooling effect. It does not lose consistency, volume, does not dissolve, not only freshens breath, but helps to calm down, the effect of the action itself is scientifically proven. Useful properties chewing gum is enough. But there is also harm from it.

How bad is chewing gum

A product that is useful in composition can be harmful, not to mention chewing gum.

The emergence of addiction

People deal with stress in different ways. Someone smokes, eats, someone uses chewing gum. There are studies confirming the emergence of dependence on it.

Breakage of prostheses and loss of fillings

According to studies, there have been cases of unpleasant consequences due to chewing gum, but they are rare. If you have all the teeth, the filling is made correctly, from high-quality material, then it (or the prosthesis) will last a long time. But they can absorb dyes and flavors from chewing gum, which reduces the life of the structure. Gum is not recommended for people with braces or plates to align their teeth. When chewing, structural elements may bend, the briquette will peel off or the product will stick to them, which will worsen oral hygiene. This will harm, make it difficult to heal.

poison effect

To determine the presence of this property in chewing gum, you need to study the composition in detail. The basis is synthetic polymers. Effects on the body have not been identified.

Glycerin (E422) draws water out of tissues. There is little of it in chewing gum, but it is used in the composition of frequently consumed products: bread, confectionery.

Sugar does not cause tooth decay, but is a breeding ground for bacteria. Some use sweeteners - sorbitol. This substance is a laxative. Aspartame can cause headaches, allergies. Xylitol and maltitol in chewing gum are relatively safe to consume.

Fragrances, both natural and synthetic, can cause allergies. Flavor enhancers in long-term chewing harm the taste buds. Ordinary wholesome food seems unpleasant when used for a long time.

The dyes contained in chewing gum are carcinogenic. Carcinogenicity - the ability to cause cellular mutations. So far, there has not been a single case of cancer or other neoplasm due to chewing gum.

Harm of chewing gum for children

Attention! There is a risk of asphyxia (suffocation) in a dream, if accidentally swallowed. All muscles are relaxed, and chewing gum can accidentally enter the larynx when taking a deep breath.

Children are very curious, they can give each other food to try. There is a risk of transmission from one child to another through saliva. He can become infected himself if he leaves a gum somewhere or drops it, and then chews it.

Do not give chewing gum to a child instead of food. This is harm. Saliva and gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid are reflexively secreted. Since the food does not enter the stomach, the acid will begin to act on its mucous membrane, causing gastritis. This disease causes problems with digestion and absorption of useful nutrients from food, which is especially bad for a growing child's body.

Facial asymmetry

A warning! There is a possibility of facial asymmetry in children and adolescents who often use chewing gum during periods of changing teeth and active jaw growth.

With frequent and prolonged chewing, especially on one side, there is an overload of the muscles and their excessive development, which is negative for the growth of the jaws. They may be underdeveloped or overdeveloped. One half may be larger or longer than the other. These are the pronounced effects of excessive and prolonged use of chewing gum, which are harmful.

Hence the problems with bite: crowding, improper closing of teeth, maxillofacial pathologies, especially in combination with bad habits (biting a pen, pencil, nails). Their signs and consequences: problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), changes in the profile and configuration of the face, even problems with posture. But the benefits of chewing gum for a person are not just advertising.

How to chew gum without harm to health

It will not replace brushing and toothpaste. You can use chewing gum after eating no more than 10 minutes. Rinse your mouth first to avoid harm to your teeth. The properties of chewing gum after eating can be used for weight loss, as they stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, and food is better absorbed. There is an elastic band designed specifically for weight loss.

You can not replace chewing gum with a full meal. It will do harm. There are alternative options for replacing chewing gum that are more beneficial.

What can replace chewing gum

Advice! To kill bad breath, you can chew a mint leaf, coffee beans, cardamom, ginger root, parsley.

You can use mints, dragees, mouth sprays, hygienic rinses. The question of their properties and harm to the child is decided after consultation with the doctor. For a healthy snack, yogurt, dried fruits, fresh fruits are suitable. For the development of the chewing apparatus of the child will be useful solid foods: carrots, apples.

Culture and chewing gum

In the 1990s, chewing anywhere and everywhere was fashionable in Russia. But no one likes an interlocutor who does this during a conversation or in a theater. It's uncivilized. An active life forces you to snack on the go, but everything should be in place, chewing gum should not be abused.

How to make chewing gum at home

Children love chewing gum. To avoid harm, you can learn how to cook useful product Houses.

Advice! You can make treats from your favorite foods.

Recipe for chewing gum, useful for children of all ages:

• choose the juice of your choice, add sugar and heat;
• add to gelatin, mix and strain through a sieve;
• pour the mixture into molds and leave in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours.

Chewing candy is ready. It will resemble marmalade, have both a pleasant taste and useful properties.

Making chewing gum from fruits or berries:

• peel products, cut;
• pour boiling water, cook for 20 minutes over low heat;
• when everything is boiled, drain the compote, add sugar and gelatin (dissolved in water);
• you can use molds or put the gum in a container for solidification;
• refrigerate for a few hours.

Useful chewing gum is ready. You can take a snack with you.

Treat recipe for older kids. Chewing gum based on Gum base, which is purchased in the store and via the Internet.

• 1 st. l. heat the gum base in a water bath, stirring occasionally;
• pour liquid honey or syrup - 1 tsp;
• mix;
• add to the mixture 1 tsp. flavoring, 1/2 tsp. spoons powdered sugar, dye (optional);
• sprinkle a table or cutting board with powdered sugar;
• lay out hot chewing gum;
• during cooling and after you need to roll it in powder;
• form a sausage, cut into pieces.

The taste and properties of the finished chewing gum will turn out to be similar to the purchased one. When dyes and flavors are added, only the absence of a bright wrapper will distinguish them.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of chewing gum is a difficult question, but subject to simple rules its use will be beneficial. She masks problems. First of all, proper care with the help of chewing gum properties for the oral cavity will help maintain the beauty of a smile and health for many years.

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Random Fact:

90 grams of cheese contains the daily amount of calcium needed by the human body. The same norm of this element contains 0.8 liters of milk. —

Article added by user Maria
14.04.2016

Chewing gum has gained its popularity for quite a long time. She is loved by both adults and the younger generation. Chewing gum is culinary product, which consists of an inedible elastic base and various aromatic and flavoring additives. In the process of use, the fillers gradually dissolve and because of this, the chewing gum will slightly decrease in volume, after which it loses its taste and becomes tasteless. The history of chewing gum dates back to Ancient Greece, when the Greeks loved to chew the resin of the Mastic tree, which grows in Greece and Turkey. Mastic for them was chewing gum, even then they realized that resin freshens breath and cleans teeth. The Mayan Indians used the sap of the Sapodilla tree thousands of years ago, and the Indians of Latin America chewed the congealed sap of coniferous trees. Improved chewing gum when mixed beeswax and resins of coniferous trees. To date, the chewing gum industry is one of the most profitable, thanks to advertising, people subconsciously absorb that chewing gum is delicious product. For many, the use of chewing gum is a habit and few people think about its effect on the human body. Manufacturers offer many varieties of chewing gum for different tastes and brightly colored packages. In our time, they began to talk a lot about the harm to the human body that chewing gum causes. In some countries, the craze of the population for chewing gum is considered a social problem, because people chew it during a conversation, at school and lectures, they do not take into account the time and place. The harmfulness of chewing gum is due to the fact that it contains chemicals that most people do not know about. Advertisers assure you that chewing gum restores the acid-base balance, improves tooth enamel, removes tartar and more. But not a single advertisement will tell you that people who often use chewing gum experience mechanical damage to tooth enamel, develop diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, or have fillings fall out.

The chemical composition of chewing gum

The chemical composition of chewing gum has changed many times since the beginning of its history. Chewing gum is a type of candy, which includes an inedible elastic base and various aromatic and flavoring additives. The main components of modern chewing gum are: stabilizers, antioxidants, dyes, chewing base, the content of which ranges from 20 to 30%, flavors, fragrances or flavoring additives (about 10%), a small amount of liquid, shaping components, sweeteners make up to 60% of chewing gum glazing agents.

• E-100i - Yellow-orange dye
• E-120 - Red dye
• E-132 - Blue dye
• E-171 - White dye
• E-296 - Acidity regulator
• E-320 - Antioxidant
• E-321 - Antioxidant
• E-322 - Emulsifiers
• E-330 - Acidity regulator, antioxidant
• E-414 - Thickener
• E-420 - Sweetener, emulsifier, humectant
• E-421 - Sweetener, emulsifier
• E-422 - Stabilizer
• E-500ii - Acidity regulator
• E-636 - Flavor and aroma enhancer
• E-903 Glazing agent
• E-927b - Acidity regulator
• E-950, E-951, E-967 - Sweeteners
• E-133 - Coloring agent Sweeteners are added to chewing gum in order to add flavor to the product. Today, instead of sweeteners, intense sweeteners or sweeteners are added. Of these sweeteners, sorbitol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol are introduced into the chewing gum. Flavoring additives that are used for chewing gums include: peppermint, fruit compositions, mint, eucalyptus. It is known that mint components are preferred over fruit flavors, as some of the bottoms are still prepared with the addition of sugar, so mint components are most often preferred.

Influence of chewing gum components on human health.

• 1.) Stabilizer E-422 (glycerin) - when absorbed into the blood, it has a strong toxic effect, can cause blood diseases, such as methemoglobin kidney infarcts, hemolysis and hemoglobinuria.
• 2.) Antioxidant E-320 (butylhydrohydroxyanisole) - is able to increase the cholesterol content in the blood.
• 3.) And the emulsifier E-322 (lecithins and phosphatides) - helps to accelerate salivation, which leads to disruption of the digestive tract.
• 4.) Acid