Cinnamon Gum and Mouth Microbes

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. 2020.

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.

Ask an Expert

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Abstract

Bibliography