Buzz
Blowing bubbles with chewing gum is a beloved pastime for children and the young at heart. This playful activity adds an extra layer of fun to chewing gum. While it may seem challenging at first, the key lies in mastering the technique of blowing air and handling the gum in your mouth. With a bit of practice and the right approach, anyone can learn to blow bubbles with chewing gum.
Steps
Chew the gum
Purchase some chewing gum. You can find chewing gum at any convenience store. Keep in mind that while you can blow bubbles with most gum, the bubbles may not be very large and can pop easily. Before you start, grab a pack of gum (Big Babol is a popular choice). Typically, if the packaging features images of bubbles, it’s a good option.
- Some gums are stickier and harder to remove from your face if the bubble pops. For these types, chew longer before blowing to reduce stickiness.
- Sugar-free gum often contains more gum base, making it easier to blow bubbles. The long polymer molecules in the gum base enhance elasticity, resulting in better bubble structure when used in moderation.
- Avoid old gum. Gum that has been sitting around tends to dry out, making it harder to chew and blow bubbles. Always use fresh gum for the best results.
Start by chewing a piece of gum. Chewing more gum can help you create larger or multiple bubbles. However, if you're just learning, it's not necessary to use too much gum at once. Simply unwrap the gum and pop it into your mouth.
Chew the gum until it becomes soft and smooth. Continue chewing until the sweetness and flavor fade, and the gum turns pliable (soft and flexible). This process may take a few minutes, so patience is key.
- Avoid over-chewing. After about 30 minutes, the gum may lose its quality, becoming stiff and harder to blow bubbles with.
Blow the bubble
Use your tongue to roll the gum into a ball. Use the roof of your mouth to hold the gum while shaping it into a round form. Don't worry if it's not perfectly round, as long as the gum is compacted.
- Move the gum ball (now rounded) just behind your teeth. Flatten it into a disc by pressing it against the back of your teeth with your tongue.
Push your tongue through the flattened gum. Slightly part your teeth, then gently push your tongue through the gum until it's covered by a thin layer. Be careful not to puncture the gum. If you accidentally tear it, roll the gum back into a ball and try again. This step requires practice as it can be tricky.
- Practice in front of a mirror to see and adjust the gum's position accurately.
Blow air onto the candy layer on the tip of your tongue. Gently blow until you feel the air begin to act, causing the candy layer to puff up into a bubble shape.
Retract your tongue from the gum layer. Once the air starts to inflate the gum, you can pull your tongue back. The edges of your teeth will help secure the gum. Continue to blow out slowly and steadily to let the bubble grow larger.
Keep blowing for as long as possible or until the bubble pops. You need to blow evenly and slowly to give the gum time to expand. Try to see how big a bubble you can blow before it bursts.
Seal the bubble. Gently press your lips together to seal the bubble. This will prevent more air from entering and making the bubble larger than desired, while also keeping the air from escaping.
Practice whenever you can. You might not succeed the first few times, but that's part of the fun. Keep practicing until you get it right and master the technique. Blowing gum bubbles will help you get used to the movements of your jaw, mouth, and diaphragm. With practice, your muscles will strengthen, and you'll eventually be able to blow bubbles skillfully.
Advice
- Moisten your lips slightly before blowing a bubble to prevent the gum from sticking to your lips if the bubble pops.
- Keep the gum soft; avoid chewing it for too long as it may become difficult to blow.
- Use fresh gum. If the gum is old, discard it.
- If there’s a hole on the side of the bubble preventing further inflation, use your finger to seal the hole.
Warning
- Do not swallow chewing gum. Many gums are made from plastic, wax, and rubber, so you must spit it out after chewing.
What You’ll Need
- Chewing gum
