Grossology is the light-hearted study of all things gross, often exploring the more icky aspects of life like mucus, body odors, and digestion in a way that’s both fun and educational. One surprising subject that fits into the realm of grossology is bubble gum. Although bubble gum is a beloved treat for many, it has some sticky and less-than-pleasant connections to our bodies and the world around us. From how gum sticks to surfaces to what happens when you accidentally swallow it, bubble gum has its fair share of gross moments that make it a perfect topic for grossology.
Let’s explore the science behind bubble gum and why it’s more gross than you might think!
What Is Bubble Gum Made Of?
At its core, bubble gum is made from a rubbery base combined with sugar, flavorings, and softeners to give it its chewy, stretchy texture. The base is typically a synthetic polymer that gives gum its characteristic stickiness. While this makes blowing bubbles fun, it also means gum can be quite difficult to remove when it gets stuck to shoes, furniture, or even hair!
The rubbery texture is similar to other polymers we encounter in everyday life, but the gum’s sticky factor is what makes it stand out in the grossology world. Think about how unpleasant it can be when you step on a discarded piece of gum or have to scrape it off a table—definitely not something anyone looks forward to!
The Grossness of Gum Under Tables and Sidewalks
One of the most “gross” aspects of bubble gum has nothing to do with chewing it, but rather with where people often leave it after they’re done. Gum stuck under tables, chairs, or benches is a common sight in public places. Once chewed, gum becomes sticky and tends to attract dirt, dust, and bacteria—making it not only unsightly but also a health hazard.
Cleaning up old gum is a gross job that nobody wants to do. In fact, the problem is so widespread that some cities have special crews dedicated to scraping gum off public sidewalks and furniture. It’s a grimy reality that links bubble gum to grossology in the most unpleasant way.
What Happens When You Swallow Bubble Gum?
One of the most well-known myths surrounding bubble gum is that if you swallow it, it stays in your stomach for seven years. While this isn’t true, there is still some grossness involved in what happens when you swallow gum. Bubble gum’s base is indigestible, meaning it doesn’t break down in your stomach like other foods. So, what happens to it?
When swallowed, gum passes through your digestive system almost unchanged. It won’t stay in your stomach, but it will travel through your intestines and eventually come out the other end. It’s not dangerous to swallow gum occasionally, but the fact that it moves through your body without being digested is a bit gross to think about!
Bubble Gum and Saliva: Why Your Mouth Gets Slimy
One of the lesser-known facts about chewing bubble gum is how it affects your mouth. Chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is a good thing if you’re trying to freshen your breath after a meal. However, the amount of saliva produced can make your mouth feel slimy and unpleasant after chewing for a while.
Saliva is important for digestion and helps to neutralize acids in the mouth, but when you’re chewing gum, the extra saliva doesn’t really have anything to digest. Instead, it just pools in your mouth, and you end up swallowing more than usual. While this isn’t harmful, it’s definitely one of the grosser side effects of chewing gum for long periods.
Why Gum Sticks to Everything: The Science of Adhesion
One of the reasons gum is so gross in certain situations is because it sticks to almost anything. This stickiness is due to a combination of the gum’s polymer base and plasticizers, which keep it flexible. These materials make gum adhere to surfaces like shoes, clothing, and even hair.
Once gum sticks to a surface, it becomes a challenge to remove. The reason for this is that the polymers in gum are long, flexible chains that can tangle with the fibers of whatever they come into contact with. The heat from your body or the sun can make gum even stickier, which is why it’s so difficult to remove once it gets stuck in your hair or on your shoes.
Bubble Gum and Teeth: Not as Harmless as You Think
Another grossology-related aspect of bubble gum is how it affects your teeth. While sugar-free gum can help clean your teeth by increasing saliva flow, traditional bubble gum that contains sugar can actually lead to tooth decay. The sugar in gum feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
Chewing sugary gum for long periods can coat your teeth with a sticky layer of sugar, making it harder for saliva to wash away bacteria and acids. Over time, this can lead to plaque buildup and cavities. So, while blowing bubbles might be fun, chewing sugary gum for too long can have some pretty unpleasant consequences for your dental health.
Environmental Impact: The Gross Truth About Gum Disposal
Bubble gum isn’t just gross when it’s stuck to surfaces—it’s also an environmental issue. Gum is made from synthetic materials that don’t break down easily, which means that once it’s discarded, it can stick around for a long time. Gum on sidewalks and streets can take years to decompose, contributing to urban litter problems.
In fact, some cities spend thousands of dollars every year just to clean up gum from public spaces. The process of removing gum is labor-intensive and requires special solvents or steam to loosen the sticky substance. It’s a costly and time-consuming problem that’s created by something as simple as chewing gum.
Fun Grossology Fact: Chewing Gum and Your Stomach
Another fascinating fact tied to grossology is how chewing gum can affect your stomach. When you chew gum, your body is tricked into thinking you’re eating food, which causes it to produce extra stomach acid. This can sometimes lead to discomfort or a feeling of hunger, even though you’re not actually consuming anything. It’s a gross trick that your body plays on itself, just from the act of chewing!
Conclusion
Bubble gum might seem like a harmless treat, but when you look at it through the lens of grossology, it becomes a lot more interesting—and a little bit gross! From its sticky, indigestible nature to its impact on the environment and your teeth, bubble gum has a variety of icky connections to our bodies and the world around us.
