Areas of Science Microbiology
Difficulty
Time Required Long (2-4 weeks)
Prerequisites A basic knowledge of how to work with bacteria is needed to complete this science fair project. Consult the Microbiology Techniques and Troubleshooting guide for information on how to conduct microbiology experiments.
Material Availability Specialty items, like the media to grow bacteria on, can be ordered from online vendors such as Carolina Biological Supply Company.
Cost Average ($50 - $100)
Safety Use sterile technique. Read the Microorganisms Safety Guide before starting any experiments. SRC approval may be necessary. Adult supervision is recommended.
*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

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Abstract

Did you know that a scientific study has shown that chewing Big Red Gum reduces mouth microbes? (ScienceDaily contributors, 2004) The cinnamon oil in the gum is a natural defense against mouth bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. Conduct an experiment to compare products with cinnamon essence in gum, candy, toothpaste, and mouthwash to see if they can decrease mouth germs. Do a before and after swab of the mouth with a Q-tip. Which treatments work the best? Can you find another useful ingredient in other natural oils or essences? What about peppermint, wintergreen, or spearmint?

Bibliography

ScienceDaily contributors. (2004). Popular Chewing Gum Eliminates Bacteria That Cause Bad Breath. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040401080031.htm

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MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Cinnamon Gum and Mouth Microbes." Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/MicroBio_p023/microbiology/cinnamon-gum-and-mouth-microbes. Accessed 28 Jan. 2021.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Cinnamon Gum and Mouth Microbes. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/MicroBio_p023/microbiology/cinnamon-gum-and-mouth-microbes


Last edit date: 2017-07-28

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

Share your story with Science Buddies!

I did this project Yes, I Did This Project! Please log in (or create a free account) to let us know how things went.

Ask an Expert

The Ask an Expert Forum is intended to be a place where students can go to find answers to science questions that they have been unable to find using other resources. If you have specific questions about your science fair project or science fair, our team of volunteer scientists can help. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions, offer guidance, and help you troubleshoot.

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