Chewing gum has been around for centuries, with early versions made from tree resins. Sugar-free gum emerged in the mid-20th century due to concerns about sugar consumption and dental health. Today, sugar-free gum is popular and may contain substitutes like sorbitol or xylitol, with a focus on dental health benefits. Some natural gum brands still contain sugar.
Chewing gum is certainly not new and did not originate as an idea of the first commercial manufacturers of chewing gum. Many native peoples chewed various substances as a sort of gum including spruce gum, chicle, and various other tree resins. It can be said that the earliest gums were sugar-free chewing gum, though today’s variants are arguably more palatable to modern taste sensibilities.
When gum was first commercially produced, most brands contained quite a bit of sweetener, and some people became concerned about sugar consumption as the century reached its midpoint. To address concerns that consuming sugar might be unhealthy, sugar-free chewing gum emerged in the mid-20th century and essentially replaced artificial sweeteners with sugar.
A sweetener, cyclamate, was used in most early versions of sugar-free chewing gum, although health concerns about this substance have started to grow. In the 1970s, governments like the United States banned it and other sugar substitutes were used. Today, sugar-free chewing gum may contain several substitutes, including sorbitol, aspartame or others.
When dentists became concerned about chewing gum’s potential oral health risks, it was assumed that gum could never redeem itself. Sugar-free chewing gum was recommended for those determined to chew. In particular, the first sugar-free chewing gum, Wrigley’s Blammo, was considered a good alternative to sugar-containing substances.
The marketing trends for sugar-free chewing gum actually leaned towards gum for health reasons, and this has continued. There are now numerous companies producing sugar-free varieties, and there is some evidence to suggest that chewing gum after meals may be beneficial to oral health and reduce tooth decay. However, some people avoid many forms of artificial sweeteners. Sorbitol, one of the sweetener choices today, is considered a healthier choice.
Another sugar-based sweetener xylitol is considered a natural substance and can be sold in various brands of natural chewing gum. It should be noted that not all gum labeled natural is sugar-free gum. Instead some contain cane juice or sugar which is produced naturally.
Today, sugar-free gum varieties account for a significant percentage of gum sales, and the sales angle still leans toward dental health. Some gums also contain bleaching agents that can help lighten teeth. The occasional stick (or pad or square) of sugarless gum is thought to be probably a great idea, especially when people don’t have the opportunity to brush their teeth after a meal.
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