News article published by The Observer
Robert Burns
NEW SMYRNA BEACH – It’s a bold idea: A new chewing gum, not only sugar-free, but one which packs in a dose of cavity fighting fluoride. It’s the latest step in fighting tooth decay – and that battle is actually being launched by a firm right here in Southeast Volusia.
“It’s called Guide Fluoride Gum,” said fluoride gum inventor Terry Bishop. “Here, try a piece.”
This reporter took the fire-engine red, nickel-sized masticating marvel and popped it in. Like a scene from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the fella with the gum grinned. alt
No, it didn’t taste like snozzle-berry, but it did taste just like bubble gum.
“See,” said the New Smyrna-based inventor, “it doesn’t taste medicinal at all. But, it’s the best thing you can do for your mouth – outside of brushing.”
With support systems, B.J. Bishop (wife) and business partner Charles Schnell (father-in-law) looking on, Terry outlines, what he hopes will be, one of a number of possible futures for this Southeast Volusia innovation.
“There are all sorts of positive applications,” said Terry. “People here in this country understand the value of fluoride in our water. Unfortunately, not all water has fluoride in it.”
He said well water, most bottled waters, and some municipally provided waters not everyone derives the benefits most of us take for granted.
“Chew one piece of Guide Fluoride Gum; that’s taken care of.”
He adds many people are caught up on business matters all day or are traveling in their car and simply can’t brush. Guide will take care of those ‘indiscretions.’
“Imagine, Robert, this gum in much of the developing world,” said the visionary gum man.
“They often have no potable water at all, never mind fluoridated water. This could revolutionize dental health!”
And the starting-off point for this worldwide endeavor would all start out right here in Southeast Volusia.
“Right now we’re manufacturing Guide Gum here in Florida, but we’d like to eventually move the manufacturing operation to right here in Southeast Volusia.”
According to Mr. Bishop, Volusia County has everything Guide Gum needs to be a smashing worldwide success. His partner, life-long business executive and SCORE advisor Charles Schnell, agrees.
“You have to have a product people need and want, and we have that. And you, then, have to listen to the consumer to find out ways of improving our product.”
With a disgusted shake of his head, he added, “Too frequently, businesses or product lines aren’t interested in finding out ‘how to improve.’ That’s what we’ll be doing constantly.”
After several years of tinkering with the formula, they’ve come up with a gum that’s flavorful, does what it was designed to do: deliver a potent punch of fluoride, and has full approval of the Food and Drug Administration.
“The FDA had to have final approval on everything before we could even announce any kind of ‘launching.’” Right now, they’re tweaking the packaging and working on marketing and distribution.
“We believe we have designed something right here in New Smyrna Beach that can actually change dental health around the world – at the same time as be enjoyable,” smiled the cavity-conscious chewing gum guru.
“I’m so excited about this whole project,” said family philosopher B.J. “Simply by going to www.fluoridechewinggum.com, people can make a huge difference. We’re working off the web at this point,” she said with a shockingly white grin.
“We’ve had dentists locally and internationally express interest in Guide Fluoride Gum. But you don’t have to be a dentist to understand its value, and you don’t need a prescription to buy it. Just order it, and we’ll have it to you in no time.”
These New Smyrna dreamers are looking forward to a very bright future – brightened considerably by fluoride enhanced smiles.
The full article is available here.
