In the early 1900s, Americans could not get enough of the modern-day variation on the lip-smacking confection called bubble or chewing gum popularized by Thomas Adams. The popular treat has a long history and has come in many forms over time.

Earliest Record of Chewing Gum

A variation of chewing gum has been used by ancient civilizations and cultures around the world. It is believed that the earliest evidence we have of chewing gum dates back to the Neolithic period. Archeologists discovered 6,000-year-old chewing gum made from birch bark tar, with tooth imprints in Finland. The tar from which the gums were made is believed to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal benefits.

Ancient Cultures

Several ancient cultures used chewing gum regularly. It is known that the ancient Greeks chewed mastiche, a chewing gum made from the resin of the mastic tree. The ancient Mayans chewed chicle, which is the sap of the sapodilla tree.

Modernization of Chewing Gum

In addition to the ancient Greeks and Mayans, chewing gum can be traced back to a variety of civilizations around the world, including the Eskimos, South Americans, Chinese and Indians from South Asia. The modernization and commercialization of this product mainly took place in the United States. Native Americans chewed resin made from the sap of spruce trees. In 1848, American John B. Curtis picked up on this practice and made and sold the first commercial chewing gum called the State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum. Two years later, Curtis started selling flavored paraffin gums, which became more popular than spruce gums.

In 1869, Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna introduced Thomas Adams to chicle, as a rubber substitute. It did not take off as a use for rubber, instead, Adams cut chicle into strips and he marketed it as Adams New York Chewing Gum in 1871.

Potential Health Benefits

Gum can be credited for several health benefits, such as potentially increasing cognition and brain function after chewing the gum. An additive and sugar substitute xylitol has been found to reduce cavities and plaque in teeth. Another known effect of chewing gum is that it increases saliva production. Increased saliva can be a good way to keep the mouth fresh, which is helpful for reducing halitosis (bad breath).

Increased saliva production has also been found to be helpful following surgery involving the digestive system and for the possible reduction of digestive disorders, such as GERD, also known as acid reflux.

Timeline of Gum in Modern Times