Thread: 5000 year old chewing gum - yummy!!

Birch bark tar has antiseptic properties, scientists say

A 5,000-year-old piece of chewing gum has been discovered by an archaeology student from the University of Derby.

Sarah Pickin, 23, found the lump of birch bark tar while on a dig in western Finland.
Neolithic people used the material as an antiseptic to treat gum infections, as well as a glue for repairing pots.

Ms Pickin's tutor, Professor Trevor Brown, said: "It's particularly significant because well defined tooth imprints were found on the gum."

He explained: "Birch bark tar contains phenols, which are antiseptic compounds."

Ms Pickin, who was one of five UK students on a volunteer programme at the Kierikki Centre on the west coast of Finland, said: "I was delighted to find the gum and was very excited to learn more about the history."
She added: "I am keen to work in this area in the future so the experience has stood me in good stead."

The archaeology student also found part of an amber ring and a slate arrow head which will be on display at the centre following laboratory analysis.

While Neolithic people chewed gum to treat infection, a spokesman for the British Dental Association said chewing sugar free gum after meals stimulates saliva which offers protection against tooth decay.


BBC NEWS | UK | Student dig unearths ancient gum

Wow that's got to be the find of the century (not)

Luckily he didn't taste it to see what it was ... eww...

Interesting. I remember watching a documentary in Discovery regarding how some jungle natives survived by chewing some barks in the jungle after eating ants and berries.

Originally Posted by Desidude666

Interesting. I remember watching a documentary in Discovery regarding how some jungle natives survived by chewing some barks in the jungle after eating ants and berries.

Well I guess if mankind relied on nature half as much today as mankind did back then, then we'd probably know these things.

Still I wouldn't give up my toothpaste hsnap:

Lol same. I'd rather stick ith Aquafresh rather than Elmfresh thanks very much...

Comrade

Pretty soon, the Geico commercial based Caveman is going to hold up a pack of Juicy Fruit and declare, "Yeah, that fricking long!!" while holding up the 5,000 year old wad.

Muwahahaha!

They'd be fools not to capitalize on such dry humor.

Originally Posted by Desidude666

Interesting. I remember watching a documentary in Discovery regarding how some jungle natives survived by chewing some barks in the jungle after eating ants and berries.

I think it may have been Coca leaves - now there's a gum that would sell!