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What Is Cinnamon Gum?

Lori Spencer
Lori Spencer

Cinnamon gum is a type of chewing gum that is usually red in color and has a spicy hot flavor. Most commercial cinnamon gum brands on the market are made with artificial flavorings that simulate the taste of cinnamon. Popular brands such as Wrigley's Big Red, Trident, and Orbit contain synthetic rubbers specifically designed to retain flavor longer. Some brands of cinnamon gum marketed as "all-natural" contain pure cinnamon oil with no added sugars or artificial flavors. These can generally be obtained only from health food markets.

The herb cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Cinnamon is often used as a food preservative because it slows the growth of bacteria, including E. coli. Known as a powerful immune system booster, it can also stimulate the brain and improve memory. Cinnamon is recommended by many holistic physicians to treat acute candida infections that are resistant to antibiotics. It has tested well in clinical trials at Copenhagen University for providing relief to arthritis sufferers. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study found that cinnamon greatly reduced the proliferation of certain types of cancer cells.

The heat from cinnamon chewing gum is created artificially with flavor additives.
The heat from cinnamon chewing gum is created artificially with flavor additives.

Chewing cinnamon gum can neutralize bad breath, and it may have other health benefits as well. According to a 2004 study by researchers at the University of Illinois, cinnamon gum also has antibacterial properties. When chewed, the gum reduces bacteria in the mouth and may prevent dental plaque and cavities. Because most commercial cinnamon chewing gum products contain refined sugars or artificial chemical sweeteners such as aspartame, these types of gum are unlikely to produce any kind of measurable benefit. Some health experts say that these commercial chewing gums can actually have adverse effects on human health because the chemicals contained within disrupt the body's metabolism.

Chewing cinnamon gum can neutralize bad breath.
Chewing cinnamon gum can neutralize bad breath.

Consumers are also cautioned when touching raw cinnamon or ingesting cinnamon oil to stop using the herb immediately if burning or discomfort occurs. Some people experience contact dermatitis, red bumps and rashes after coming in contact with cinnamon. While cinnamon allergies are quite rare, cinnamon sensitivity is relatively common. It is widely believed that people may develop cinnamon allergies after an overdose in childhood. Individuals who are sensitive to cinnamon frequently report a burning tongue, swelling, and painful bumps inside the mouth or throat after chewing cinnamon gum. This usually disappears within 24 hours but sometimes can last for several days. In such cases where the reaction is severe and the ability to breathe is affected, a trip to the emergency room may be necessary.

Discussion Comments

manykitties2

@drtroubles - I always chew Extra cinnamon gum but from what I have been told you don't really get the same benefits from gum as you would from actually including the cinnamon spice into your diet. While I do find the scent of cinnamon enjoyable I am not sure if I have ever noticed any improvement in memory, though that would be a fantastic perk to chewing gum.

If you have the time adding natural cinnamon to your diet is a good way to go. From what I have read it can help reduce blood pressure and does wonders for cholesterol levels.

drtroubles

Does anyone know if cinnamon gum has any health benefits?

I have been reading about cinnamon and it seems that it is quite well know for being good for you. One of the most notable things was the idea that smelling cinnamon can boost cognitive function and memory. I am wondering that if since things like Dentyne cinnamon gum have a strong scent if it would work in the same way as stick cinnamon.

Also, I am curious if cinnamon gum would have any impact on arthritis? The research I have come across shows that it can help reduce inflammation in the body.

SkyWhisperer

@nony - I think that all chewing gum has some benefit, because it stimulates the saliva in your mouth. Your saliva is what kills the bad breath in my opinion.

Bad breath is caused by anaerobic bacteria, which means they live in an oxygen free environment. When you stimulate your saliva you create an oxygenated environment, and that helps to reduce some of that bacteria.

You get that benefit whether you are chewing peppermint gum or cinnamon gum or whatever. However, as the article rightly points out, the cinnamon gum will give you the extra whammy of the anti bacterial properties of real cinnamon.

nony

@Mammmood - I’ve tried cinnamon bubble gum and honestly don’t know if it really worked either, at least in terms of fighting bad breath. No one was ever honest enough to tell me either way.

But if I were going to give anything a test, I might try chewing on the raw cinnamon first to see if I could get some benefits that way. I would do that rather than buying the health food cinnamon gum, because that is undoubtedly going to be very expensive.

Mammmood

Everyone has had bouts with bad breath now and then. Frankly I’ve never had any success with commercial cinnamon gum.

I think it gives you a false sense of security actually. The cinnamon tastes very powerful and so you think that your breath is being freshened, but in reality what is happening is that you’re just getting that strong sugar taste.

Sugar will never combat bad breath and certainly not tooth decay. All gums really just masquerade the odor for a few moments at best. However, I’ve never tried the all natural cinnamon gum from the health food stores. It appears that’s the route I’ll have to go if I want to get the benefits of real cinnamon and not just a sweetener.

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    • The heat from cinnamon chewing gum is created artificially with flavor additives.
      By: nyul
      The heat from cinnamon chewing gum is created artificially with flavor additives.
    • Chewing cinnamon gum can neutralize bad breath.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Chewing cinnamon gum can neutralize bad breath.
    • Some cinnamon gums use oils from the spice for flavoring.
      By: baibaz
      Some cinnamon gums use oils from the spice for flavoring.
    • Cinnamon is often used as a food preservative because it slows the growth of E. coli bacteria.
      By: 4designersart
      Cinnamon is often used as a food preservative because it slows the growth of E. coli bacteria.
    • An allergic reaction to cinnamon gum may result in throat discomfort.
      By: Aleksandar Todorovic
      An allergic reaction to cinnamon gum may result in throat discomfort.
    • Cinnamon gum may cause a burning of the tongue for those who are sensitive to cinnamon.
      By: Alexander Trinitatov
      Cinnamon gum may cause a burning of the tongue for those who are sensitive to cinnamon.
    • Chewing gum with certain artificial sweeteners has been shown to reduce plaque and cavities.
      By: pressmaster
      Chewing gum with certain artificial sweeteners has been shown to reduce plaque and cavities.