Brace yourself, Mr. and Ms. Janitor. Because some educators are re-examining the gum policy. Why?

This is Your Brain on Gum.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine studied eighth grade math students and found gum chewers scored better on standardized math tests (3% better) and achieved better final grades (Wrigley Science Institute, 2009).

Chewing gum appears to increase alertness, focus and concentration, and in the cognitive improvement section of his book 101 Optimal Life Foods (Bantam, 2010), nutritionist David Grotto recommends chewing gum between meals and snacks.

More praise for the yummy stuff resulted from brain researcher Todd Parrish of Northwestern University (2009) who examined functional magnetic resonance images of gum chewers and found increased activity in areas of the brain associated with memory and emotional responses.

Calories, Cravings, and Gum, Oh My!

You chews, you lose? Looks like it. Gum may also aid in preventing weight gain as Paula Geiselman and her research team at Lousiana State University found chewing gum was associated with decreased feelings of hunger and cravings for sweets (Wrigley Science Institute, 2009).

Researchers concluded that even small changes in caloric intake could have a significant impact in the long term and suggest chewing sugar-free gum as an easy, practical tool for helping to manage snack intake and reducing sweet snack cravings.

Gum History 101.

Before Juicy Fruit, Bubblicious, or the sticky debate in schools (um, let’s face it, when students don’t chew gum quietly or bullies smash it in someone’s hair, it’s a learning distraction and not an enhancement), our distant ancestors saw the value of chewing resins and latex secretions from plants.

Thanks to the International Chewing Gum Association and the world wide web, this writer learned the color of the first successful bubblegum was pink because it was the only color the inventor had left! Who knew? (Learn more fun facts about gum at www.gumassociation.org.)

Gum and Healthy Gums.

Even people in the business of preventing tooth decay sing the praises of gum. Sugarless, that is. The American Dental Association says chewing sugarless gum for 20-minutes after meals can help prevent cavities. The ADA states on their website “in the future, look for chewing gum that delivers a variety of therapeutic agents that could provide additional benefits to those provided by the ability of gum to mechanically stimulate saliva flow. For instance, some gum might contain active agents that could enhance the gum’s ability to remineralize teeth and reduce decay, or enable gum to help reduce plaque and gingivitis.”

Gum is Big Business.

Skeptics are quick to point out that gum research is often financed by those who would have a commercial interest in gum sales. The Wrigley Company, for example, has much to profit if the evidence concludes gum makes us more attentive, aids in weight management, and reduces feelings of stress. American children already chew plenty of gum, but if it joins no. 2 pencils and glue sticks on the school supply list—cha ching!

Brush Your Teeth! Take Your Vitamins! Chew Your Gum!

Don’t be surprised if your child’s school modifies its gum policy, begins offering gum as a reward for good behavior, or requires it for math class (come on now, that will just seem odd, won’t it?).

As if better focus, calorie reduction, and stress relief were not enough, there is also evidence that gum may reduce symptoms of acid reflux. While this benefit may not seem relevant to school kids, it is surely good news for parents, teachers, and administrators who care for them and struggle with heartburn and symptoms of GERD.

Especially stressed out school custodial staff.

Michele Ranard has two children, a master’s in counseling, and a blog at hellolovelychild.blogspot.com

Resources:

American Dental Association: http://www.ada.org/1315.aspx

Baylor College of Medicine Study (Craig Johnston): News release, William Wrigley Jr. Co. American Society for Nutrition's Scientific Sessions and Annual Meeting at Experimental Biology 2009, New Orleans, April 18-22, 2009. http://www.wrigley.com/global/press/news-details.aspx?id=1113

Geiselman, Paula. Lousiana State University study: http://www.wrigley.com/uk/press/news-releases-print.aspx?CorpNewsId=1140

Grotto, David. 101 Optimal Life Foods. Bantam, 2010.

International Chewing Gum Association. http://www.gumassociation.org/default.aspx?Cat=4

Parrish, Todd. Northwestern University study via: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/42983/title/To_limit_sweet_indulgences,_chew,_chew,_chew