Gum transitions from hard to soft primarily due to the temperature increase and moisture absorption in your mouth.
Here's a breakdown:
- Gum Base Composition: Chewing gum's main ingredient is gum base, a non-digestible, water-insoluble substance.
- Temperature's Effect: Gum base is temperature-sensitive. The heat from your mouth softens the gum base, making it more pliable and easier to chew. Think of it like butter – it's hard in the refrigerator but softens at room temperature and melts when heated.
- Moisture Absorption: Your saliva helps to soften the gum by penetrating the gum base and its surrounding ingredients. This moisturization contributes to the gum's change in texture.
- Chewing Action: The physical act of chewing further contributes to softening by distributing heat and moisture throughout the gum.
In summary, the warmth of your mouth and the moisture from your saliva work together to transform the initially hard gum into a soft, chewable substance.
