Not Eating, Just Chewing

Say you aren’t really hungry and can’t justify eating even a small snack just to have something to put in your mouth instead of say, a candy bar or a cigarette (you are quitting, right?). The option that tastes good—at least for a while-- cleans your teeth, freshens bad breath, and just gives your jaw some exercise, minus the talking, is chewing gum.

There are so many flavors and types to choose from. Not just sugarless or sugarfull or fruity or minty. Now there are options like sugarless Wrigley’s 5 ( a soft stick in the traditional long, flat, wide thin shape) in flavors such as Lush, "a crisp tropical” and Elixir, "a mouthwatering berry” or from that same company, sugarless soft Orbit—whether you like, hate or tolerate their ads, Orbit gum is a satisfying choice. The new varieties promise a “just brushed clean feeling” and are available in flavors with names like “Fabulous Fruitini” and Sangria Fresca and Maui Melon Mint (quite nice).

Sugarless crisp-shelled Eclipse now promises “Natural Germ Killing” properties, thanks to Magnolia Bark Extract—who knew? Apparently a few scientists-- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119111138.htm and http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/news/20071116/magnolia-bark-extract-vs-bad-breath

So, even though no one expects a lot from a chewing gum—the flavor only lasts so long and then it’s time for another piece, now there even more flavors from which to choose. And you will have distracted your mouth until it’s time for the next meal. Or your next meeting.

And keep in mind that lumps of spruce gum, courtesy of the Native Americans of New England, was the chewing gum of availability, if not choice, of the early colonists. They learned to chew the gum-like resin that from on spruce trees when the bark was cut. Never tried it? You won't forget the taste. And you will be thankful for the variety of options we have today.