Could chewing gum help stop the next pandemic? Imagine another pandemic where everyone refuses to wear a mask or get injected with a fast-tracked vaccine for another novel virus? Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, in collaboration with Finnish scientists, have developed an antiviral chewing gum that significantly reduces the viral load in your mouth, potentially revolutionizing how we easily might fight the spread of infections.
What if you have the flu and like a lot of people these days despite how miserable you are you still must go to work or you literally can’t feed your family or pay your electric bill that week! Chewing gum might make a huge difference to your ability to make your bills that month.
Or consider this possibility, you have a herpes breakout and also have an infection in a tooth; the pain is disabling so a trip to the dentist to have that tooth pulled is non-negotiable so a little gum might knock down that recurrent herpes infection and get you to the dentist.
Or… like millions of people, you believe that wearing a mask will not reduce the spread of infection. What do you do? In the global battle against infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance, scientists may have stumbled upon a surprising solution: chewing gum.
From COVID-19 to Influenza and Herpes: A Broad-Spectrum Approach
The journey began with efforts to curb SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In earlier studies, a chewing gum infused with the ACE2 protein was shown to neutralize over 95% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in saliva. Building on this success, the research team explored the gum’s efficacy against other common viruses transmitted through the mouth, such as influenza and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
The key ingredient in the follow up studies is a protein called Flt3 Receptor Interacting Lectin (FRIL), naturally found in lablab beans (Lablab purpureus). FRIL has a knack for binding to and neutralizing viral particles. In laboratory simulations, it was demonstrated that over half of the active FRIL was released within 15 minutes of chewing. Remarkably, just 40 milligrams of FRIL could reduce viral loads by more than 95%.
Implications for Dentistry and Beyond
The applications of this antiviral gum extend beyond personal health. In dental settings, where close contact and exposure to saliva are routine, providing patients with such a gum could also serve as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of transmitting infections. This approach not only safeguards dental professionals but also minimizes the potential spread among patients.
Looking Ahead: A Chewy Defense Against Future Outbreaks
While the concept might seem unconventional, the simplicity and effectiveness of antiviral chewing gum present a promising addition to our arsenal against infectious diseases. Its ease of use, combined with the ability to target multiple pathogens, positions it as a potential game-changer in public health strategies particularly in the U.S. where many are against vaccines and infectious disease tracking and reporting have been greatly reduced by the current administration.
As research progresses, this chewy innovation might soon find its way into our daily routines, offering a flavorful and functional defense against the microscopic invaders that challenge our well-being.
Bibliography
Discover Magazine. “Antiviral Chewing Gum Might Revolutionize How We Tackle Infectious Diseases.” April 9, 2025. https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/antiviral-chewing-gum-might-revolutionize-how-we-tackle-infectious-diseases
Penn Today. “A Chewing Gum That Could Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission.” December 3, 2021. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/chewing-gum-could-reduce-sars-cov-2-transmission
Molecular Therapy. “Debulking Influenza and Herpes Simplex Virus Strains by a Wide-Spectrum Anti-Viral Protein Formulated in Clinical Grade Chewing Gum.”
Inside Precision Medicine. Antiviral Chewing Gum May Prevent Flu and Herpes Transmission.