What active ingredients do different chewing gums contain?
• Most chewing gum manufactured today shares the same main ingredients: • A gum base which is made of man-made latex and divided into two major categories, chewing and bubble gum, with the latter having more elasticity. • Some gums have artificial sweeteners to replace sugar. • Sweeteners, primarily sugar and corn syrup, and flavorings. Some also contain softeners, such as glycerin and vegetable oil. • The amount of each added to the mix varies as to which type of gum is being manufactured. For example, bubble gum contains more of the gum base to enable the bubble. • Baking soda neutralises mouth acids. • Xylitol, it is claimed, reduces plaque. • Mint, peppermint and cinnamon flavourings freshen the breath. • Tooth whitening ingredients help to lighten tooth colour.
