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Chewing gum is traditionally made from chicle which is a natural latex product or it is made from synthetic rubber which is known as polyisobutylene. For quality and economical reasons, modern chewing gums prefer to use rubber instead of chicle though chicle does still form the base of choice in some markets such a Japan.

Chewing gum has existed for thousands of years, dating to the Neolithic period at least, a whopping 5000 years ago. In Kierikki, Finland, 5000 year old chewing gum has been discovered with tooth prints in it. This chewing gum was made of birch bark tar which is believed to antiseptic properties and other medicinal advantages. Ancient Aztec women used chicle as a mouth freshener. Today chewing gum is available in many flavours and many forms. One can buy strawberry chewing gum, minty chewing gum, liquorice…etc. One certainly cannot buy gu10 50w led flavoured chewing gum though!