Its very fitting that the day after National Coffee Day would be National Chewing Gum Day, as chewing gum is a great way to freshen ones breath after a delicious cup of java!

Humans have been chewing gum for over 5,000 years, and that’s a lot of gum. Whether you chew gum for enjoyment, or to stave off your appetite a bit, or to freshen their breath, chewing gum is a big deal in the United States and throughout the world! 

According to the National Day website, various forms of chewing gum have existed since the Neolithic period. In 2007, a British archaeology student found 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, it was found in Kierikki, Yli-li, Finland. Made from bark tar, the gum was believed to have antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages.  

It was unlikely that this source of “chewing gum” was capable of producing inflatable, pink popping bubbles, but there was still the distinct possibility that you could get the sticky stuff tangled in your hair, or someone else’s hair! Let’s not even discuss how much gum can be found under school desks.

Here is come chewing gum history you might like to know:

  • 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.

So, go enjoy this fun national day by buying a pack of your favorite flavor of chewing gum. Share a piece with your friends, unchewed piece preferably, and use #ChewingGumDay to post on social media.