Chewing Gum as Medicine and Health Aid

Chewing Gum - A New Medicine?

• Chewing gum has been around since 1850 and is used in over 150 countries.
• Scientists are developing a new chewing gum to help with obesity.
• Obesity is a significant issue in the West, causing 1300 deaths per week in Britain alone
• One in five children in Europe are clinically obese.

How the Gum Works

• The gum releases a substance that mimics a hormone the body produces.
• This hormone regulates appetite, helping people feel full.
• Volunteers who tested the "weight" gum reported eating 15-20% less without feeling hungry.
• This will be available in 8 years.

Gum for Oral Health

• A new gum contains friendly bacteria (Lactobacillus) found in yogurt.
• These bacteria attach to harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing tooth decay.
• It helps reduce tooth decay.
• Unlike brushing, it's not a replacement for brushing.
• 'Yoghurt' gum could be sold in stores next year.

Negative Aspects of Gum

• Chewing gum is a common cause for pavement litter, and many countries spend money cleaning it.
• Singapore has outlawed chewing gum with a one-year jail sentence and a hefty fine.

Chewing Gum Production

• Wrigley's produces a substantial amount of chewing gum.
• If every stick of gum made annually were placed end-to-end, they would circle the earth 19 times.

Explore the innovative uses of chewing gum as a potential solution for obesity and oral health. This quiz covers the science behind appetite regulation and the introduction of beneficial bacteria to combat tooth decay. Test your knowledge about the evolving role of chewing gum in modern medicine!