Natural chewing gum is having a moment as consumers increasingly search for a healthier alternative to synthetic gums stuffed with artificial sweeteners and chemicals. One of the most promising traditional gums is spruce sap gum, a natural resin extract used for thousands of years due to its health-supportive attributes. In this guide, we’ll investigate the spruce sap gum benefits, especially for oral care, and show you where to get it by the pound.
No matter whether you’re interested in its remineralizing effects, how it stacks up against other natural chewing gums, or as part of your oral-care routine, this guide is for you.
What Is Spruce Sap Gum?
The substance is obtained from the gum of spruce trees (Picea) of Picea mariana, native to most northern and central North America. The sap, or resin, is harvested from the tree and prepared to be chewed. Spruce gum has been chewed for centuries by Indigenous peoples and early settlers in North America, in part for its refreshing taste and possible health benefits, including using it to clean their teeth inside the mouth as a natural oral cleanser.
Unlike other chewing gum products, spruce gum is made from natural ingredients containing no synthetic polymers, sugar, or chemical softeners. It is a biodegradable and sustainably harvested material that dovetails with contemporary wellness trends toward clean living and less plastic usage.
Spruce Sap Gum Benefits
1. Oral Health Support
One of the most well-documented benefits of chewing natural gums like spruce sap gum is improved oral hygiene. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, wash away food particles, and prevent dry mouth.According to a review published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, increased salivary flow supports tooth remineralization and reduces plaque accumulation.
Spruce sap gum does not contain sugars that feed harmful bacteria, making it a good alternative to conventional sugary gum that can contribute to tooth decay.
2. Remineralization Properties
Saliva is essential for tooth remineralization, helping to rebuild enamel with calcium and phosphate ions. Natural chewing gums that stimulate saliva can support the remineralization process over time. Studies show that gum containing bioavailable calcium and phosphate enhances tooth enamel repair
Although spruce sap gum itself doesn’t always contain added minerals, pairing its saliva-stimulating effects with a remineralizing gum like the one sold at Nathan and Sons provides a powerful one-two punch for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
3. No Sugar and Diabetic Friendly
Spruce gum doesn’t have added sugars, which is perfect for diabetics or anyone trying to lower their glycemic load. This is especially true today, when people are more conscious of blood sugar balance and limiting sugar consumption.
4. Natural Breath Freshener
Spruce gum has a unique, woodsy taste that provides natural breath freshening without artificial flavors or heavy chemicals. Chewing also stimulates saliva flow, which can dislodge debris and reduce odor-causing bacteria.
5. Biodegradable and Sustainable
Unlike Gum processed with plastic and synthetic rubber, which are commonly found in stores, spruce sap gum is 100% biodegradable. That means it’s not clogging up the environment and lying in landfills for decades like regular gum. It’s a guilt-free way to pop in some gum without contributing to your carbon footprint!
Spruce Sap Price Per Pound
If you're considering buying spruce sap gum in bulk, either for personal use or resale, it’s helpful to understand what to expect in terms of cost and quality.
Price Range
Raw or semi-purified spruce sap gum typically costs between $200 and $300 per pound, depending on the source and quality. Purified, chewable-grade spruce gum is priced higher (roughly double) due to labour-intensive harvesting and processing.
Factors That Affect Price
Purity
Cleaned and filtered gum commands a higher price.
Sourcing Method
Hand-collected vs. commercially extracted.
Region
Gum sourced from wild North American spruce trees often costs more due to sustainability practices.
Packaging
Some sellers offer gum in resealable bags or glass jars, which may add to the cost.
Bulk spruce sap gum is available through specialty online retailers, natural health product stores, and marketplaces focusing on heritage or foraged goods. When shopping, look for sellers who emphasize sustainable harvesting and chemical-free processing.
Scientific Studies Crediting Chewing Gum for Oral Health
Now, let’s take a peek at the evidence surrounding chewing gum and its effect on teeth:
A study in the International Journal of Oral Science found that chewing gum delivers calcium and phosphate, which can substantially strengthen the enamel of demineralized teeth.
Another 2014 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research study detailed the advantages of promoting saliva flow by chewing gum in neutralizing plaque acids and enabling enamel remineralization.
More evidence from the Journal of Dentistry has shown that gums that contain xylitol decrease levels of Streptococcus mutans, which decreases cavity risk.
Spruce sap gum works on the first part of that transaction, enhancing saliva and cleaning the mouth. In contrast, modern remineralizing gum expands on that formula by actively delivering minerals to teeth.
How Spruce Sap Compares to Modern Remineralizing Gum
While spruce sap gum is a traditional natural product, modern formulations like the ones available from Nathan and Sons offer additional benefits by incorporating active remineralizing agents, like calcium phosphate, xylitol, and natural flavor extracts.
Nathan and Sons offers the world’s first remineralizing chewing gum that’s:
- Sugar-free
- Chemical-free
- Long-lasting
- Made with all-natural ingredients
It’s safe for children as young as three and beneficial for seniors seeking to protect their remaining enamel. Because it’s free from synthetic ingredients, it aligns well with the philosophy behind spruce sap gum, which offers modern oral care in a natural format.
Order your remineralizing gum today.
Who Should Use Spruce Sap or Remineralizing Gum?
These natural gum alternatives are suitable for:
- Children (age 3+) who are learning oral hygiene habits
- Teenagers with braces or alignment devices
- Adults seeking non-toxic alternatives for daily chewing
- Seniors looking to maintain tooth strength and freshness
- Diabetics and those avoiding sugar for health reasons
The versatility of these gums makes them a fit for almost everyone, from 3 to 120 years old.
Conclusion: Natural Chewing Gum for Better Oral Health
Spruce sap gum is a time-tested natural product with a long history of use for oral hygiene, breath freshness, and eco-conscious living. It’s biodegradable and sustainable and offers a compelling alternative to plastic-based gums. While it doesn’t contain added minerals, its ability to stimulate saliva makes it a foundational oral care aid.
Modern options like remineralizing gum from Nathan and Sons offer targeted support with ingredients that actively help restore and protect enamel for those looking to take oral care a step further.
Whether you're interested in spruce gum for its purity or seeking the latest oral health innovation, there’s never been a better time to go natural.
