It looks like gum companies are in a sticky situation.

Over the past four years, gum sales have plummeted 11 percent, according to a study by Euromonitor International. Sales are projected to drop another 4 percent over the next five years.

This, however, hasn’t stopped  students like sophomore Grant Roach from appreciating chewing gum.

“[I chew] about two pieces of gum a day,” Roach said. “It gives me something to focus on. The flavor is very, very good.

Roach is not alone, either. According to a JagWire survey, 92 percent of Mill Valley students chew gum, half of which do so every day. Junior Amber Buisch chews gum for many reasons.

“It makes me feel refreshed,” Buisch said. “It helps me think better sometimes.”

Formerly an avid gum chewer, sophomore Julian Teopaco ceased his habit after others began asking him for gum.

“In middle school I used to buy a couple of packs a day,” Teopaco said. “Everyone wanted gum from me, and that bugged me.”

Roach has had similar experiences.

“[People] ask me for gum everyday, and it’s kind of annoying,” Roach said.

Others, like sophomore Jack Booth, simply do not find gum appealing.

“It’s kind of gross when I think about it,” Booth said. “[It’s] just saliva bouncing up and down in my mouth.”

Booth also said he doesn’t buy gum because he sees it as pointless.

“It’s a waste of money because it’s not like food that actually fills you up,” Booth said. “It’s just something to have in your mouth for no reason.”

Buisch understands why others may not enjoy chewing gum.

“It’s not something everyone likes to do,” Buisch said. “I know a lot of people that hate chewing gum.”

While not everyone may think chewing gum is a good habit, Roach views it as more than that.

“Gum is just a way of life,” Roach said. “It relaxes you.”