Question: How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop?

Answer: This is one of the more profound questions ever posed to humankind and animal alike. To test this hypothesis correctly, you must stop counting the moment that the 'center' (the tootsie roll blob at the core of the pop) becomes exposed. That should be considered 'reaching the center.' It depends on a variety of factors such as the size of your mouth, the amount of saliva, etc. Basically, the world may never know.   

According to the producers of Tootsie Pops the consensus seems to be between 600 and 800 licks, scientifically speaking.

From Tootsie Roll, Inc.: "We've been asking the question since 1970. Many have tried to lick their way to the center of the Tootsie Pop, and many have failed for they couldn't help but bite into it. But for those proud few who do make it to the center, and manage to keep count of how many licks it takes, we hold a special place in our hearts."

There are many factors that would go into how many licks it takes such as:
            1. acidity of saliva
            2. coarseness of the tongue
            3. how much amylase (enzymes) you have in your mouth

It also depends on how you lick it. Here are some results: large licks = 423, small licks = 752.
  

Let's have some fun and do some research here at Meadowlark Hills. I will provide the Tootsie Pops, making them available around campus. Keep me posted on your individual results. Here is the criteria to validate our study:
            1. You must only lick the Tootsie Pop, it may not rest in your mouth.
            2. The criteria for reaching the center is for you to stop counting the moment that the center becomes exposed.
            3. Keep close count and report your results to me so I can enter them in the Meadowlark Hills study.