Dear Editor,
What’s your flavor? I enjoy reading the variety of topics and issues that are written and submitted for our campus paper. I have a little topic that I would like to share. Here’s my two-cent “stick” for the East Tennessean.
Commercial chewing gum has been around for over 100 years. Since the time that I was a little girl, I have always loved chewing gum. I learned to love this sweet treat of confection that is fairly cheap, and it lasts as long as I wish to have it in my mouth.
I keep it handy for many reasons. I’d rather see someone chewing gum than biting their fingernails for whatever emotional and habit reasons. Gum produces salivation, and is good as a thirst-quencher.
Today, there are many brands and selections of flavors to choose from ranging in various shapes, colors, and packaging. They make gum for the partial and denture wearers that won’t stick.
The new trend in chewing gum is called Xylitol Gum. Xylitol causes bacteria to lose the ability to adhere to the teeth, preventing the cavity-causing process. Needless to say, I’ve had a trip or two to the dentist for a few fillings.
Whatever our reasons for chewing this tasty treat, whether we cleanse our mouths, freshen our breath, whiten our teeth, subdue a nervous reaction or exercise pure enjoyment, we must remain aware of our actions for those around us.
Now that I’ve expressed all the chewy sweet parts and love for chewing gum, here’s the gummy, “sticky” side of the issue.
The problem is that gum is not being disposed of properly after its use. The evidence are the black spots on the sidewalk, ramps and steps. It is hard to remove gum from your shoes, clothing or backpacks after it has been stepped in or sat on.
You know exactly what I’m talking about if you’ve had to remove someone’s gum from your shoes at one time or another. Some of the best cleaning solutions on the market won’t remove gum.
A small piece of gum is loaded with germs, which spread bacteria from the human mouth! I can tolerate the chewers that smack and pop their gum, more so, than I can tolerate the chewers that deliberately discard their gum out on the walkways or place gum underneath tabletops! This is trash and it accumulates. I don’t appreciate out-of-town people referring to us as Tennessee trash!
May I suggest that you save the paper the gum came in, and when you are finished with your gum, put it back in the wrapper for disposal in a trash can. You can keep it in your mouth and dispose of it when you go to the restroom or wad it up in a small piece of paper and put it in your pocket or backpack and throw it away later.
All in all, it’s a nasty, sticky, situation that none of us wish to contend with.
Help keep our campus “sticky” free, because we already have enough to worry about! Be responsible and happy chewing!
-Daranda Martin

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