National Chewing Gum Day is celebrated on September 30 every year. The gummy texture, the translucent bubble, the satisfying pop! These are just a few of the reasons why people all over the world love chewing gum. Whether you call it bubble gum, chewing gum, or chicle, there’s nothing quite as fun as munching on a piece of gum.
History of NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY
Despite its seemingly modern usage, chewing gum has been around much longer than you would think. The oldest piece of chewing gum was found in Kierikki, Finland and it was 5,000 years old! Found in 2007 by a British archaeology student, the piece of gum was made of bark tar, which was believed to be antiseptic. Centuries-old teeth marks could be clearly seen on the piece.
In Ancient Greece, another form of chewing gum called mastic gum was chewed by the Greeks. Derived from the resin of the mastic tree, the gum was also believed to have antiseptic qualities and was used in maintaining oral health. Aztecs and Mayans chewed a substance called ‘chicle,’ while Native Americans munched on the sap from spruce trees. This goes to show that chewing gum has existed in various forms in civilizations dating back thousands of years.
However, chewing gum didn’t become truly commercialized until 1848, when John B. Curtis invented and sold gum that he called Maine Pure Spruce Gum. In the 1860s, chewing gum hit another milestone thanks to John Colgan, who produced the first flavored chewing gum.
Today, unlike its early forms, chewing gum is made out of artificial ingredients, such as gum base, flavoring, color, and sweeteners. Its tantalizing variety of colors and flavors provides a harmless source of fun and, even better, has oral health benefits. Sugar-free gum is capable of reducing the risk of plaque and tooth decay as the act of chewing increases the flow of saliva. It also strengthens the teeth and neutralizes bad breath. All this is great news for gum lovers!
NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY timeline
Chewing gum is commercially produced and sold for the first time by John B. Curtis.
Thomas Adams patents the first machine for making chewing gum.
Chewing gum is given to World War II soldiers as part of their rations.
Sugar-free gum hits the market.
NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY FAQs
Is it good to chew gum every day?
Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum is good for oral health. However, chewing gum too often can cause headaches so gum should be chewed in moderation.
Is it bad to chew gum at night?
According to experts, chewing gum strengthens jaw muscles, which may help your jaw to stay in place while you sleep. However, this should be done for just a few minutes and with sugar-free gum.
Is it unsafe to swallow gum?
Though chewing gum can’t be digested by your body, it does little to no harm. It will eventually pass through the digestive system and be excreted whole.
NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY Activities
Start chewing
Even if it’s been a while since you chomped on a piece of gum, celebrate with the rest of us, get yourself a piece of gum, and chew!
Let the world know
Write a short post about the possible health benefits of chewing gum and share it on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalChewingGumDay so it reaches a larger audience.
Have a bubble contest
Blow the biggest gum bubble you can and dare your friends to break your record!
5 Surprising Facts About Chewing Gum
Good for focus, memory, and stress relief
Studies prove that chewing gum helps to reduce stress, increase alertness, and improve memory.
Improves oral health
Chewing sugar-free gum has positive impacts on oral health.
It keeps you from crying!
Chewing gum while cutting onions can prevent your eyes from watering.
Gum in hair
If you ever get gum stuck in your hair, try using peanut butter to get it out.
Pink bubble gum
Originally, the only available color for chewing gum was pink!
Why We Love NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY
Pure fun
Chewing gum is just pure fun!
Positive benefits
Chewing gum has many positive benefits, such as increasing alertness and improving memory.
Hands-free snack
Chewing gum is one of the few snacks you can enjoy while doing other things. Whether you’re on the road or bent over a desk, gum can be enjoyed at all times.
NATIONAL CHEWING GUM DAY dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 30 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 30 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 30 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 30 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 30 | Saturday |
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