Swallowing Gum

What happens if we swallow our gum? Did chewing gum sit in our stomachs for seven years?

Many people believe that swallowed gum is likely to stick inside the stomach.

Indeed, our stomach doesn't digest gum at all. However, gum doesn't stay in our stomachs forever.

Facts about chewing gum and stomach

The main ingredient for chewing gum is gum base. Gum base can be natural or synthetic (soluble fiber). Chewing gum has added flavorings, sweeteners, food colorings, and preservatives. The body absorbs the sugars. The indigestible resin (gum base, natural or synthetic) is passed along the digestive tract and eliminated with a bowel movement.

Gum passed in its undigested form safely through the digestive tract into the colon, where it can be excreted into the stool. This process doesn't take seven years. Chewing gum stays in the stomach usually a day or two after we eat it.

One of the biggest dangers of children swallowing gum is the risk of choking. Children under six should not be given chewing gum (especially no bubble gum). For older children and adults, there is much less risk of swallowing gum.

So, many of the fears about swallowing gum are unfounded.

Note: This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.