• Question: why does gum stick to everything exept your teeth?

    Asked by 12swanb to Lyn, Katy, Paul, PB, Ruth on 20 Jun 2013.
    • Photo: Paul Waines

      Paul Waines answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      I think it does, just not very well. Teeth are very smooth (most peoples anyway), and are also well covered with saliva, which forms a kind of barrier between the gum and the tooth, making it harder to stick to. Thats my theory- maybe I should do an experiment to prove it…

    • Photo: Ruth Mitchell

      Ruth Mitchell answered on 20 Jun 2013:

      Chewing gum can and does stick to many kinds of dental work, apparently.

      Generally, teeth are covered with a biofilm of bacteria and bacterial products which probably prevent the gum from sticking. More importantly, though, teeth are covered with slimy saliva, which would also prevent sticking.

      Try this: take a plain Kleenex tissue and wipe your front teeth thoroughly, making sure that they are completely dessicated. Then, apply dried chewed gum to your front teeth. It’ll stick, guaranteed!!!

    • Photo: Peter Balfe

      Peter Balfe answered on 21 Jun 2013:

      Tried Ruth’s answer, simple experiment but it worked.
      Getting rid of it afterwards meant my teeth are really clean this morning!

    • Photo: Katy Brown

      Katy Brown answered on 24 Jun 2013:

      Similarly, if you lick your fingers, the gum won’t stick to them!

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