Chewing gum is a type of confectionery which is designed to be chewed, not swallowed. Traditionally, it was made of Chicle, a natural latex product, although for reasons of economy many modern chewing gums use petroleum based plastic instead of chicle. Chicle is nonetheless still the base of choice for some "upscale" gum brands, as well as some regional markets, such as that of Japan.
Unusually for a confectionery, chewing gum has some health benefits; unsweetened (sugar free) chewing gum stimulates saliva production, and helps to clean the surface of the teeth, whilst even sugary gum may be helpful, as the sugar dissolves out very quickly.
Bubblegum is a type of chewing gum that is especially designed for blowing bubbles.
When spat on the ground, chewing gum will stick firmly and can only be removed with great difficulty. For this reason, the sale of chewing gum has been prohibited in Singapore since 1992. [1] Recently, however, some types of chewing gum (e.g. nicotine replacement gums) have been allowed under strictly monitored distribution.
An old wives' tale states that chewing gum, if swallowed, may take up to seven years to become fully digested, and that swallowing gum could also result in the substance becoming lodged in the oesophagus. This is untrue, and although chewing gum does resist complete digestion by the body, it is expelled like other foods, though relatively unchanged. There is also a very low, but real risk of gum becoming lodged inside the body. [Snopes]
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See also: List of chewing gum brands
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Last updated: 10-10-2005 10:12:46
