What is the definition or description of: chewing gum?

Really?: Chewing gum is a type of gum made of chicle, a natural latex product, or synthetic rubber known as polyisobutylene. -wiki from a dental perspective though, chewing gum can play a number of roles both positive and negative: from substitution for a smoking habit to the cause of jaw pain. Chewing gum can help cause or help prevent decay! ask your dentist for more information.

Sugar free gum only!: Protect your teeth with xylitol gum studies have shown the benefits of xylitol-sweetened gum after meals & snacks. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that makes an great sweetener, as it has many of the same properties as table sugar (sucrose). Not only does it have less calories & less effect on blood sugar, it has the benefit of inhibiting the creation of acid in the mouth. This reduces teeth damage.

Rubber substitute: Modern chewing gum was first developed in the 1860s when chicle was exported from mexico for use as a rubber substitute. It did not succeed as a replacement for rubber, but as a gum it was soon adopted and due to newly established companies it soon dominated the market. Synthetic gums were first introduced to the U.S. After chicle no longer satisfied the needs of making good chewing gum.

Soft chew don't eat: Most commercially available chewing gum contains a sugary sweetener that breaks down into acid which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Sugar-free chewing gum is better, but the best option is chewing gum with xylitol, a naturally-occuring wood sugar that bacteria can't digest. This not only stimulates salivary flow to neutralize acids but it also changes the oral environment.