Effect on electroencephalogram of chewing flavored gum

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect on the electr oencephalogram (EEG) of a chewing gum with and without our prepared new fla vor. Electroencephalograms were obtained after the following three tests: c hewing pure gumbase with sucrose (standard gumbase), chewing flavored stand ard gum and the inhalation of flavored aromatic oil. As the control, we use d the pre-stimulus control EEG record without a stimulus. We examined the r elationship between the pre-stimulus control record and the post-stimulus r ecord using the changes of power in four bands. Chewing the standard gumbas e led to an increase in the alpha wave and a decrease in the beta wave. Che wing the flavored standard gum and inhaling the flavored aromatic oil each increased the alpha and beta waves. In addition, chewing the flavored stand ard gum led to a change in the ratio of theta wave in the frontal area. The difference in the theta, alpha and beta bands in chewing gum with and with out the added flavor suggested that the flavor as well as chewing could ind uce concentration with a harmonious high arousal state in brain function.