National Chewing Gum Day exercises our jaws on September 30th. Pop a bubble or freshen your breath with your favorite piece of chewing gum.
Humans have used chewing gum for over 5,000 years. They may have chewed it for enjoyment, to stave off hunger, or to freshen their breath much like we do today. The sources used to make gum resulted in minty and sweet chewable globs of wax or sap resin that fulfilled the human urge to gnaw. They were unlikely to produce glossy, pink bubbles worthy of jealous pokes from siblings. However, waking up with it stuck in your hair was still a possibility.
Various forms of chewing gum have existed since the Neolithic period. In 2007, a British archaeology student discovered a 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum made from bark tar with tooth imprints in it. Presumed to be the oldest piece of chewing gum, the discovery took place in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. Made from bark tar, scientists believed the gum to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages.
- Many other cultures chewed gum made from the resin of the mastic tree, from plants, grasses, and other resins.
- In 1848, John B. Curtis developed and sold the first commercial chewing gum, which was called “The State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum.”
- Around 1850, a gum made from paraffin wax was developed and surpassed the spruce gum in popularity.
- December 28, 1869, William Semple filed an early patent on chewing gum, patent number 98,304.
- Studies show chewing gum helps improve memory, reduce stress, and increase alertness.
- Chewing sugar-free gum improves overall oral hygiene while also helping to curb cravings and improving digestion.
GET INVOLVED: Celebrate the day by buying a pack of your favorite flavor of chewing gum. Share a piece with your friends. You could also have a bubble blowing contests. Just be sure not to get it in your hair when it pops!
- Share bubblegum memories. Whether it’s from times gone by or more recent experiences, retell the tale for all to hear.
- Discover the world records of bubble gum.
- Take a video of your best bubble.
- Enjoy some bubble gum ice cream.
- Research the best tips for getting ice cream out of your hair, furniture or carpet.
- Look under your desk to see if any gruesome pieces from your predecessors remain.
- Pick up bubble gum flavored something. For example, Chapstick, candy, or frosting. What other things come in bubble gum flavor or scent?
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