Aspergum facts for kids
Aspergum is a special kind of chewing gum that contains aspirin, a common medicine. It was sold in the United States and was known for helping with pain, swelling, and fever. Aspergum came in cherry and orange flavors.
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History of Aspergum
When Aspergum Started
Medicated chewing gum with aspirin first appeared in the United States in 1924. A few years later, in 1927, two people named Frank M. Dillard and William C. Nalle created the Dillard-Nalle company. They wanted to protect the name "Aspergum" as their own.
In 1928, their company started selling Dellard's Aspergum. This was one of the first examples of a "functional gum." A functional gum is chewing gum that delivers medicine or other helpful ingredients to your body.
Aspergum and Medical Discoveries
Aspergum played a part in an important medical discovery about aspirin. In 1953, a doctor named Lawrence Craven noticed something interesting. Patients who chewed Aspergum after having their tonsils removed tended to bleed more easily.
This observation helped doctors realize that aspirin could make blood thinner. Because of Dr. Craven's discovery, doctors now often take a small dose of aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Hospitals also sometimes give aspirin to patients who might be having a heart attack.
Famous Users and Later Years
People sometimes found their own unique ways to use Aspergum. For example, the famous American singer Barbra Streisand once shared a story. When she was starting her career, she used Aspergum to temporarily fill a gap where she had lost two front teeth!
In 1998, a company called Gumtech announced they would produce Aspergum. However, Aspergum was eventually stopped in 2006.
Good news for fans of the gum, though! In 2016, a company called Retrobrands USA LLC got the trademark for Aspergum. They plan to bring the brand back to stores.
