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Who owns GUM?

GUM

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Brand origin
Japan
Main production
Several countries, incl. Germany

GUM is an oral care brand focused on periodontal care, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, and interdental products. GUM is ultimately owned by Sunstar, a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

jp.sunstargum.com
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Updated: 15 August 2026 ·
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About GUM

What is GUM?

GUM is an oral care brand owned by Sunstar. The brand focuses on products for periodontal care and oral hygiene. Sunstar’s consumer business describes GUM as a global oral care brand serving consumers and dental professionals.

Who owns GUM?

GUM is ultimately owned by Sunstar, according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on September 23, 2026. Sunstar took ownership of the John O. Butler Company and the GUM brand in 1988. Sunstar is a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, with consumer businesses covering oral care, health, and beauty. GUM is a registered trademark of Sunstar Suisse S.A.

Where does GUM come from?

GUM has roots in the United States and Japan. Periodontist Dr. John O. Butler founded his company in Chicago in 1923 and developed a toothbrush designed for oral hygiene. Sunstar was founded in Japan in 1932 by Kunio Kaneda. Sunstar launched its GUM periodontal care product line in 1989 after acquiring the John O. Butler Company and the GUM brand.

What products does GUM make?

GUM makes dental pastes, mouthwashes, toothbrushes, and interdental cleaners. The Japanese GUM range includes products for periodontal care, tooth sensitivity, whitening, cavities, and bad breath. Sunstar has also launched GUM PLUS and GUM lab product lines in Japan.

Where is GUM sold?

GUM products are sold internationally through Sunstar’s consumer business. Sunstar states that its GUM consumer brand serves consumers and professionals in more than 100 countries.

Frequently asked questions about GUM

Is GUM a Japanese brand?

GUM is owned by Sunstar, a Japanese company headquartered in Osaka. The GUM brand itself originated from the John O. Butler Company in Chicago before Sunstar acquired it in 1988.

When did Sunstar acquire GUM?

Sunstar acquired the John O. Butler Company and the GUM brand in 1988. Sunstar launched its GUM periodontal care product line in 1989.

What does GUM stand for?

The available sources identify GUM as the brand name used for Sunstar’s oral care products. They do not provide a verified expansion of the name as an acronym.

Does GUM make toothpaste and mouthwash?

Yes. GUM makes toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, and interdental cleaning products. The range is positioned around oral hygiene and periodontal care.

Is GUM owned by Sunstar Suisse?

GUM is ultimately owned by Sunstar. Sunstar Suisse S.A. is identified as the holder of the GUM registered trademark, while Sunstar is the Japanese parent group identified as the brand owner.

Sources: professional.sunstargum.com: about us.html, professional.sunstargum.com: the sunstar gum story.html, jp.sunstar.com: gum, jp.sunstar.com, jp.sunstargum.com, professional.sunstargum.com: ueber uns.html, professional.sunstargum.com: a propos de nous.html, sunstar.com

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Products from GUM

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and 16 more products

Made O'Meter uses AI-powered analysis to estimate production origins. Results are not always 100% accurate.

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