West Tech students present 'Dumb Gum,' a biotech chewing gum aimed at oral bacteria

Students at West Tech presented a student company called Dumb Gum that they said uses food-grade diatomaceous earth and lyophilized Lactobacillus salivarius to produce a three-in-one chewing gum meant to clean teeth while chewing.

The project combined biotechnology concepts with a business plan developed over roughly two months, presenters said. Student presenter 1 said the gum is “centered around 2 ingredients, food grade diatomaceous earth and lyophilized Lactobacillus salivarius.”

Student presenter 1 explained the role of the bacterium in the product: “The Lactobacillus salivarius is a bacteria that will be freeze dried or lyophilized, which basically removes all the water from the bacteria, so then we can add it into our gum base. And once it is rehydrated by the chewer, it will begin to release a bacteriocin that kills the bad bacteria in your mouth, like the ones that cause bad breath, tooth decay, and can lead to diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.”

The presenters said the assignment required them to assemble a business plan and practice presentation skills. Student presenter 1 said the experience taught them “what stuff we're going to actually face in the real career” and helped develop communication and design skills.

The presentation described the concept and claimed intended effects but did not specify any laboratory testing, safety evaluations, regulatory approvals, manufacturing plans, or timelines for further development. Those details were not specified in the presentation.