Chewing gum is a popular treat for keeping you alert or simply a relaxing treat. Unlike candy, however, it’s generally advised not to swallow gum. There’s a myth that swallowing gum can make your intestines sticky, and that the gum will remain there for years. So, is swallowing gum dangerous? Let’s take a closer look in this article.

History of Chewing Gum

The practice of chewing gum dates back over 5,000 years ago. Early forms of gum were made from birch bark tar, which was valued for its antiseptic and medicinal properties. The Maya and Aztecs civilizations later made chewing gum from chicle, the sap of the sapodilla tree, and added flavorings to it.

Today, chewing gum is still often made from the sap of rubber trees, with other added ingredients such as softeners, preservatives, sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring that are all food-safe. Many gums also have a powdered or hard polyol coating.

The classification of chewing gum as food has sparked debate in several countries. In the US., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes gum as a food with very low nutritional value, much like soda and some candies.

However, because gum is made with a rubber base, often derived from non-food materials like plastic, questions about its safety as food remain.

What Happens If You Swallow Gum?

One common myth is that swallowed gum stays in the abdomen for 7 years. This belief stems from the idea that since the base material of gum cannot be digested, it remains in the body. However, according to Verywell Health, in most cases, swallowed gum will pass through the digestive system relatively quickly. Digesting solid foods like gum typically takes about 40 hours.

Swallowed gum will pass through the stomach, where it mixes with chyme, a thick liquid formed during digestion, before moving on to the small intestine. In the small intestine, the gum continues to break down with the help of the liver, pancreas, and gut bacteria.

After nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine, the remaining waste travels to the large intestine and eventually to the rectum, where it is excreted through the anus. Although the body cannot digest gum, it will still pass through the digestive system and be eliminated like other food waste.

What Should Be Done If Children Swallow Gum?

Swallowing gum isn’t typically dangerous for children. For kids aged 5 and older, the gum will pass through the digestive system similarly like in adults. However, if a child swallows more than one gum, there is a risk of digestive issues.

Swallowing large amounts of gums can also lead to blockages in the intestines or respiratory tract, with symptoms such as abdominal bloating, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

If you or your child has swallowed a lot of gum and is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on both the App Store and Play Store.

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