Removing Bacteria with Gum

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this study was to see if chewing gum removed bacteria just as well as teeth cleaners did. Methods/Materials A doctor, Up & Up 1.5L mouthwash, Filtered water, 2x10 ct. Orbit kosher gum w/ xylitol, 30 ct. Bazooka sugar gum, 4 oz. dixie cups, Cotton swabs, Latex gloves, 28 Petri dishes with nutrient agar, Sharpie, Timer, Incubator, Thermometer Results The results from this project showed that mouthwash is the best at removing bacteria from the items tested with a decrease of 56.9%, followed by the sugar-free gum with xylitol with a 37.74% percent decrease, and finally water with a 4.6% decrease. Sugar gum actually increased the amount of bacteria by 21.46%. Conclusions/Discussion From the results of this project, you can apply it to different areas of study. The first area would be dentists. They would use it by suggesting to their patients to increase their chewing of sugar-free gum. The second area that would use this information would be the head or owners of sugar-free gum companies. By including on the chewing gum packets that this gum helps clean teeth, it would appeal to the public resulting in an increase in the company's value.

Awards (1)

• Honorable Mention

Competition history

• CSEF 2018 Microbiology (General) · Entry J1602

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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