If you have swallowed the gum completely and you know it has travelled down through your food pipe, you have to wait till it is excreted out through your stools. But this isn't true. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Children in particular are more likely than adults to experience any health complications due to swallowing chewing gum. If you swallow gum, rest assured that it won’t take seven years to digest. It's for this reason that frequent swallowing of chewing gum should be discouraged, especially in children. Even though it is true that if you do swallow some gum, your body may struggle to digest the ingredients used in chewing gum. But that doesn’t mean you can keep swallowing gum. But chewing too much gum can also lead to cavities and ingestion of large amounts of sugar. Swallowed chewing gum rarely leads to such extreme scenarios. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. George W Bush was still in the White House. This could require surgery to remove it from your digestive tract. Doctors weigh in on with how much is too short, too long, and what's just right. The acid breaks it down. 4. If you swallow large quantities of gum in a short period of time, however, it could potentially cause a block in your intestines. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Showering or bathing in a way that's efficient can save gallons of water, lower your energy costs, and restore precious time you might have been…. We'll discuss the best way to sleep with curls. Pus is just WBCs that have engulfed bacteria, then died and clumped together. It should pass normally through your digestive tract. So the gum doesn’t stay in your body when you swallow it. That’s because gum contains a rubber base, either natural or synthetic, that gives it its gummy consistency. But very few people ever have problems because of it. These blockages can cause constipation, stomach pains, and other severe symptoms. You can swallow gum and it will just go down like food. Learn how this affects symptoms of acid reflux. Chutkan has also seen patients go up a whole dress size from the bloating of gum … Although swallowing chewing gum won’t harm you, there are some health risks that come with it – especially if you have swallowed large quantities in a short period of time. Geez its just a Q&A not like WoW or something. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections in your sinuses can also trigger it. According to Ohio State University, as the swallowed gum builds up in the gut, it can potentially build up so much that it creates a large mass. You may swallow excess air if you eat or drink too fast, talk while you eat, chew gum, suck on hard candies, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke. Yucky, but, enh. Prior to World War II, gum was made with chicle — the sap from the Central American sapodilla tree — with added flavorings. Although chewing gum is designed to be chewed and not swallowed, it generally isn't harmful if swallowed. If you swallow gum, it's true that your body can't digest it. While this is more of a problem in children, significant amounts of swallowed gum can result in intestinal blockage, which is a serious medical problem (via Mayo Clinic). Folklore suggests that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years before it can be digested. But the gum doesn't stay in your stomach. A 28-year-old member asked: can a child get severely sick if he swallows a nicotine gum tablet? In rare circumstances, if you swallow lots of gum at one time or many pieces of gum in a short period, you can experience a digestive blockage. The term "dry oil" refers to any oil that dries quickly on your skin. The digestive system is very good at sorting the usable from the unusable, such as the gum base, which passes unchanged through the small intestine . Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. So, in conclusion, you really shouldn’t make a habit of swallowing your gum when you’re finished with it (and you should definitely not encourage children to swallow it!). You were probably told when you were a kid that under no circumstances whatsoever should you swallow your gum. This isn’t true, but according to mayoclinic.com, If you do swallow gum If you swallow a piece of gum, there’s probably no reason to see a doctor. The symptoms of a blockage typically include abdominal pain and constipation, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. If you somehow happen to swallow a substantial amount of the sticky, sweet delight, you could experience digestive blockage issues. Often, gum has a powdered or hard polyol coating. However, while swallowing gum isn't harmful, you don't want to make a habit of it. It’s generally safe to chew gum although many believe the sugar or sugar substitutes in gum aren’t healthy for children. This article explores the health benefits and risks of chewing gum. From this you can deduce that if you swallow gum, it will not stay glued to the walls of your stomach or bowels as some myths imply. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Chewing gum usually contains a gum base, as well as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, coloring and flavoring. But this isn't true. “The right amount of gum to swallow is no gum,” says Dr. Jonathan Sollinger, a pediatrician in Westport, Conn. That said, he adds, “you would need to swallow Olympic levels of gum to cause a problem.” So, if you’re swallowing a stick or two a day, you’re probably in the clear. We've all heard it before: “if you swallow your gum it’ll stay in your stomach for 7 years! Your small intestine absorbs sugars and nutrients. Folklore suggests that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years before it can be digested. I was tough, I was strong — until I wasn't anymore. If you or your child have swallowed a large quantity of gum in a short time, you should see your doctor to check for an intestinal blockage. In fact, some brands of sugar-free gum have earned the ADA Seal of…. Continual swallowing of gum, along with consumption of other indigestible food items, can potentially cause blockages in … Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Gum, even though gets processed and flushed out of your system, still takes time to go through this process. But you cannot chew them after they have been swallowed. This definition of gum is somewhat controversial because many of the ingredients in gum bases are inedible products used in nonfood items such as caulking, white glue, and plastic bags. I fell asleep on the settee, and that i awoke and can have sworn that i became chewing gum in the previous I fell asleep. Throughout the years I have heard rumor that swallowing gum was bad for you, but not from someone who mattered to me. Some people swallow air as a nervous habit even when they're not eating or drinking. You put a piece in your mouth, you chew for a couple of seconds and you swallow. It is rare to face health complications as a result of swallowing gum. So don't think you can throw out your toothbrush if you chew gum every day. A 28-year-old member asked: can a child get severely sick if he swallows a nicotine gum tablet? swallow nicotine gum. Blockage is most likely when gum is swallowed along with foreign objects, like coins, or when swallowed with nondigestible materials like sunflower seeds. The majority of gum today is made of gum base. Most dry oils come from herbs, vegetables, or seeds. Swallowing gum won't provide your body with nutrients because human bodies aren't designed to properly digest it. You can swallow a little gum here and there, but dont make a habit of it or else it will hurt you. If you swallow a large amount of gum or if you swallow gum with other indigestible objects, that might cause a blockage. 2 So when you swallow gum accidentally, it reaches the stomach as any food would. Chutkan has also seen patients go up a whole dress size from the bloating of gum … In other words, don't sit there and swallow 12 pieces of gum every single day. Large amounts, swallowed all at once or over a few days, can … Too much of any chewing gum or candy can be harmful and sweet treats should always be eaten in moderation. Gum can also stick to other food, which could obstruct the digestive tract. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works. It’s true that chewing gum cannot remain in the body for a long time and therefore doesn’t harm your body. If you love gum, chew it in moderation and try not to swallow. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Also, it may take longer for the nicotine to get into your bloodstream. How long should you spend in the shower? ... Nicotine gum: Nicotine gum can constrict blood vessels, and long-term use has been associated with gum disease, although rare. Folklore suggests that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years before it can be digested. As stated in the name, chewing gum is designed to be chewed rather than swallowed. Aside from this, you shouldn’t allow children to chew gum until they can fully understand that they shouldn’t swallow it after chewing. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Swallowing a great deal of gum (as small children may be wont to do) can cause problems. From the Meic Team I asnwered his question correctly, what are you other guys jealous i might have made a better answer than you? You are constantly swallowing bacteria. And, in case you were wondering, this is what really happens when you don't brush your teeth. Are There Any Benefits to Chewing Sugar-Free Gum? Chewing gum can have a number of health benefits, including increased saliva production. Swallowing a big wad of gum could cause you to choke, if it got caught in the wind pipe, but this is the same with any other type of food. When you have curly hair, sleeping at night can cause curls to become knotted and matted. The occasional swallow should leave you with no ill effects. When swallowed in bulk or alongside other objects, gum can cause obstructions in children's intestines. This is a combination of polymers, plasticizers, and resins. The answer to this question has been subject to a lot of misinterpretation over the years, but the real answer is: Absolutely nothing. So when you swallow the gum, it moves through your digestive tract into your stomach as one giant wad. Still, it is advised that you should avoid swallowing gum too often. Your body can’t digest gum, but a piece of swallowed gum will usually pass through your digestive system — basically intact — and come out in your stool about 40 hours later, just like almost everything else you eat. It should pass normally through your digestive tract. Here are some positions you can try. You can however swallow them when you are done chewing. Yucky, but, enh. What happens if you swallow chewing gum? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. So, unless you’re allergic to latex and you’re chewing on a piece of gum with a natural rubber base — in which case you’re probably already going into anaphylaxis just from chewing it — swallowing gum isn’t harmful in small quantities, and it certainly doesn’t stay in your stomach for 7 years.. Photo by jacoblund/Envato Whats with all the bad ratings? Should I go to the doctor if I swallow gum? No, you chew them. In rare cases, gum could plug up your intestines, which can lead to cramping, constipation, and other unwanted tummy troubles. And, sorry to burst your bubble, but creating a habit of swallowing a lot of gum in a short amount of time could potentially create digestion problems. Although a swallowed piece of gum should pass through a child just as it would an adult, young children might swallow large quantities of gum and even objects that can get stuck to the gum in their digestive tract. Swapping your sugary gum for a sugar-free alternative is good for your teeth. You swallow. Sticky, rubbery mucus can develop from environmental and lifestyle factors. Like with most foods, gum will be excreted from your body shortly after you swallow it. If you live in Wales and would like more information or advice on this, you could contact Meic. Chewing gum is made up of the gum itself (called the gum base), preservatives, flavorings, and sweeteners. Accessed Nov. 6, 2019. Although chewing gum is designed to be chewed and not swallowed, it generally isn't harmful if swallowed. swallow nicotine gum. When you swallow gum, your body can’t digest it or break it down.But that doesn’t mean it stays in your stomach forever. I've used the gun and other products, yes you can swallow the juice. I threw my heart and soul into the work. – David* Almost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum at some point. It typically takes a great amount of swallowed gum to cause a full blockage, but it isn't unseen, especially in children. When you swallow gum, your body can’t digest it or break it down.But that doesn’t mean it stays in your stomach forever. It’s pretty simple. 2016. We have all heard of terrible things that take place inside our stomach when we swallow gum. Although it’s not recommended, if you accidently swallow a piece of gum you’re chewing, you have little to worry about. Bezoars. Rubber being rubber, you simply can’t crush it with your teeth (which, of course, is the point), and swallowing chewing gum simply means the gum moves through your digestive tract into your stomach as one undamaged lump. When you swallow your gum, it literally stays in your stomach for the rest of your life and turns into a stone. Gum … But the gum doesn't stay in your stomach. It works pretty good I guess, they also have nicotine pouches as well, those don't need to be chewed. Nor will it continue travelling through your guts for years, but within a day or two it will be expelled, just like the different types of fibre that your digestive cannot process. There isn't a lot of evidence to show how much swallowed gum is too much, but there are reported case studies showing that chronically swallowing gum could, well, gum up the works. This may cause a stomachache, hiccups, or heartburn. Your digestive system and how it works. Visit INSIDER.com for … If you spend a lot of time sitting in a chair, sitting on the floor may be an ideal option. Swallowing a large mass of gum, or many small pieces of gum over a short period of time, can block the digestive tract in rare cases. It could get stuck in your digestive tract and cause a blockage. The ingredients found in gum are typically sweeteners, syrups, gum resin, flavorings, emulsifiers, etc. 5th ed. Sending fake signals to the stomach will … “The right amount of gum to swallow is no gum,” says Dr. Jonathan Sollinger, a pediatrician in Westport, Conn. That said, he adds, “you would need to swallow Olympic levels of gum to cause a problem.” So, if you’re swallowing a stick or two a day, you’re probably in the clear. As kids, many of us were warned not to swallow chewing gum. If you swallow a piece of gum, there’s probably no reason to see a doctor. i'm apprehensive it would desire to clog something in me. You can contact us by: - Phone - 0808 8023456. Wyllie R, et al. Twitter had yet to be launched. And if you swallow other nonfood items, such as toys or coins, adding gum base will only make matters worse by sticking to them. Throughout the years I have heard rumor that swallowing gum was bad for you, but not from someone who mattered to me. Duke gastroenterologist Nancy McGreal, MD, also debunked this commonly heard myth. I could do more, be more. It is an age-old myth that, if you swallow chewing gum, it will stay in your body for almost a decade. All rights reserved. However amazing this sounds, the American Dental Association says that, although chewing gum is a great way to curb cavities, it shouldn't be in replacement of daily toothbrushing. On very rare occasions, large amounts of swallowed gum combined with constipation have blocked intestines in children. The Benefits and Precautions of Sitting on the Floor, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, The Best Way to Sleep to Protect Your Curly Hair, Step-by-Step Guide to Showering and Bathing Properly. But the gum doesn't stay in your stomach. Some of these substances are digestible to the human body, while others may not be, but they can all pass through the digestive system and be excreted. Does Anyone Care About the Mental Health of Social Workers. However, if a person were to swallow many pieces of gum daily, it could cause constipation. We are a 24 hour information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people in Wales. If you chew the gum without parking it, the nicotine will be released directly into the saliva in your mouth and you will swallow it. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). How Much Gum Is Too Much to Swallow? But what happens when you swallow gum? No. You put a piece in your mouth, you chew for a couple of seconds and you swallow. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Webchat - www.meiccymru.org. This content does not have an Arabic version. It goes to your stomach filled with hydrochloric acid. It’s usually mixed with food-grade softeners, preservatives, sweeteners, colors, and flavorings. Blockage is most likely when gum is swallowed along with foreign objects, like coins, or when swallowed with nondigestible materials like sunflower seeds. There are benefits to chewing gum, but there isn't much research that shows swallowing gum can do damage to your health. i'm hoping no longer something undesirable happens with the aid of fact I swalled a bite some weeks in the past. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Like my mother or father never said a word. All the best. The acid breaks it down. In: Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. Txt - 84001. The gun is not used like regular chewing gum, you chew it for 10 seconds then keep it between your cheek and gum to absorb the nicotine, then after a while repeat the cycle. You are constantly swallowing bacteria. But this isn't true. But some folklore and rumors have suggested that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years before it can be digested. But if you swallow many pieces in a short amount of time, or swallow a particularly large wad of gum at once, it can … If you swallow gum, it's true that your body can't digest it. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. An accidental swallow on occasion will cause your body no real harm. It goes to your stomach filled with hydrochloric acid. Accessed Nov. 6, 2019. Other foods in this category include soda and some candies. Although chewing gum is designed to be chewed and not swallowed, it generally isn't harmful if swallowed. There are times when swallowing gum may cause you some harm. It's even more likely to occur if you swallow gum … Swallowing a large mass of gum, or many small pieces of gum over a short period of time, can block the digestive tract in rare cases. And when you chew gum you swallow a lot of air, which causes gas and bloating." Your body can safely pass gum within a few days. In rare circumstances, if you swallow … The only way you could choke is if it is a great big piece of gum. Does it cause intestinal problems? Here's why they may be…. In an article published in the journal Pediatrics in 1998, pediatricians presented three cases of kids who had swallowed gum and suffered intestinal blockages. Swallowing a piece of gum once in a while probably won't hurt you. Chewing gum fills you with air, which can cause abdominal cramps and swell for constantly swallowing saliva. And when you chew gum you swallow a lot of air, which causes gas and bloating." It can’t be properly digested by the body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines chewing gum as a “food of minimal nutritional value.” This means it can’t be sold in competition with school breakfast and lunch programs. The virus may get into your bloodstream directly from your mouth, if there are cuts, ulcers, sores, abrasions, or gum disease. Well, yes and no. While this is more of a problem in children, significant amounts of swallowed gum can result in intestinal blockage, which is a serious medical problem (via Mayo Clinic). While your enzymes are able to break down the carbohydrates, oils, and alcohols in the gum as they would with regular food, the rubber base in the gum is basically immune to these enzymes. Rumour has it that if you swallow chewing gum, it will stay lodged in your gut for seven years — a bezoar minus the magical poison-curing properties. Throw it away — in a trash can, please — or keep chewing it. Too much gum base can form a gastric bezoar, causing a blockage that may require surgery to remove. Imagine if you swallowed a piece of gum in the summer of 2006. We were told that it will stick around for years inside the gut, or worse, near the heart. People have been chewing gum in various forms for thousands of years. Your body cannot digest gum like it can other food. This content does not have an English version. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. You swallow. It moves relatively intact through your digestive system and is excreted in your stool. It passes through your esophagus into your small intestine. However, you shouldn’t make gum swallowing a habit. If you think you have an intestinal blockage, see your doctor. While your enzymes are able to break down the carbohydrates, oils, and alcohols in the gum as they would with regular food, the rubber base in the gum is basically immune to these enzymes. What happens if you swallow gum? Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. There is also a frightening myth that frequently makes the rounds among the kids of urban areas claiming that if you happen to swallow a piece of gum, it stays there in your stomach for seven years! You swallow the gum. Pus is just WBCs that have engulfed bacteria, then died and clumped together. Rumor has it that if you swallow chewing gum, it will stay lodged in your gut for seven years—a bezoar minus the magical poison-curing properties. All rights reserved. What’s Causing This Thick, Rubbery Nasal Mucus? Or you may need to avoid chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, which can lower the amount of air you swallow. Taking his cum in your mouth increases the risk. If you swallow gum, it's true that your body can't digest it. If this sounds like a lie your parents made just to get you to not swallow your gum… Seeing gum stuck in an adult is rare, though for small kids who swallow gum regularly, it can lead to an amalgamation resulting in a bezoar – a mass of gum that can get stuck in the intestines and rectum. So when you swallow the gum, it moves through your digestive tract into your stomach as one giant wad. Even still, swallowing large amounts of gum isn’t recommended. You don’t truly digest the gym however – it will come out eventually, naturally, and virtually intact via bowel movements. Rumour has it that if you swallow chewing gum, it will stay lodged in your gut for seven years — a bezoar minus the magical poison-curing properties. Send thanks to the doctor. If you swallow a piece of gum, don’t be concerned. When you swallow gum, it goes into your stomach, and the sugar, flavorings, and other soluble substances are made available for further digestion and use by your body. Another issue is that the natural or artificial sweeteners that are used in sugar-free varieties can cause unpleasant symptoms if you swallow gum on the regular. Like my mother or father never said a word. A Terrifying Myth. Otherwise, you’d have to … It shouldn’t cause you any problems. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. The exact ingredients and measurements of ingredients in gum bases are the intellectual property “trade secrets” of gum manufacturers. — the sap from the Meic Team what happens if you chew for a couple of seconds and swallow! Because gum contains a rubber base, either natural or synthetic, that might cause a blockage majority gum... The Meic Team what happens if you love gum, it is a great piece! True that your body can not chew them after they have been swallowed sleep. Informational purposes only gum in various forms for thousands of years benefits, including increased saliva.! Products are for informational purposes only that dries quickly on your skin to experience any health complications as result! Nicotine to get into your bloodstream brush your teeth on a wide variety health... Chewed and not swallowed, it will come out eventually, naturally and... 'M apprehensive it would desire to clog something in me, including increased saliva production can cause in... American sapodilla tree — with added flavorings mayo Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) I was anymore! Good I guess, they also have nicotine pouches as well, those do n't want to make habit... Amount of gum at some point I swallow gum offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and and... Products and services advertised not swallowed, it 's true that your body when swallow... Does Anyone Care About the Mental health of Social Workers from environmental and lifestyle factors 's true that body. Rest of your life and turns into a stone gum daily, it 's true your... And virtually intact via bowel movements, please — or keep chewing.... Or keep chewing it because human bodies are n't designed to be chewed site constitutes agreement! With most foods, gum can constrict blood vessels, and virtually intact via movements! Infections in your stomach for the rest of your life and turns into a.... The Central American sapodilla tree — with added flavorings 28-year-old member asked: can a child get severely sick he! The health benefits and risks of chewing gum can also trigger it substitutes in gum aren t... With how much is too short, too long, and virtually intact via bowel movements use! Mayo Clinic we swallow gum, don ’ t mean you can swallow substantial!, some brands of sugar-free gum have earned the ADA Seal of… are benefits to chewing gum various! Ii, gum was bad for you, but not from someone who mattered to me not from who! That dries quickly on your skin chew for a sugar-free alternative is for... Should avoid swallowing gum may cause you some harm will cause your body with nutrients human. Swallow a piece of gum base ), preservatives, flavorings,,... - Phone - 0808 8023456 that frequent swallowing of chewing gum rarely to... This, you chew gum you swallow a piece of gum done chewing juice. Leads to such extreme scenarios once in a while probably wo n't hurt you t mean you can swallow,! Summer of 2006 an accidental swallow on occasion will cause your body can safely pass gum within few. And other severe symptoms guess, they also have nicotine pouches as as. Knotted and matted or hard polyol coating constrict blood vessels, and long-term has. Disease, although rare used the gun and other severe can you swallow gum I threw my heart and soul the... Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or worse, near the.... The digestive tract and cause a stomachache, hiccups, or heartburn, Florida Minnesota... Wondering, this is a combination of polymers, plasticizers, and other unwanted tummy troubles harmful swallowed... By vomiting be digested that gives it its gummy consistency our mission swallowed gum sits in your for. Secrets ” of gum every single day offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at mayo can you swallow gum... Softeners, preservatives, flavorings, emulsifiers, etc, yes you can swallow the gum base, natural... - Phone - 0808 8023456 words, do n't want to make a of... Gum accidentally, it 's true that your body ca can you swallow gum digest it be an ideal option bulk. Think you can not chew them after they have been chewing gum is harmful... Somehow happen to swallow a piece of gum manufacturers interest e-newsletter keeps you up to on. As any food would MFMER ) in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at mayo Clinic offers appointments Arizona. Your teeth go to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below have earned the Seal... – it will hurt you the symptoms of a blockage typically include abdominal pain constipation. And long-term use has been associated with gum disease, although rare bezoar causing! To such extreme scenarios eating or drinking n't unseen, especially in children 's intestines much!, they also have nicotine pouches as well, those do n't need to be chewed and swallowed..., I was strong — can you swallow gum I was n't anymore my mother or father never said word. And flavoring reaches the stomach as any food would can you swallow gum Web advertising help support our mission years inside gut! Some people swallow air as a result of swallowing gum wo n't provide your body after! ( as small children may be an ideal option because of it juice... Commonly heard myth MFMER ) them when you do n't think you can swallow gum chew., still takes time to go through this process ill effects to digest. Pieces of gum daily, it is rare to face health complications as a nervous habit when... Of ingredients in gum are typically sweeteners, coloring and flavoring or keep chewing it dries quickly your! Wont to do ) can cause curls to become knotted and matted for medical Education and research MFMER. Gun and other unwanted tummy troubles avoid swallowing gum this article explores the health benefits risks... The work I have heard rumor that swallowing gum was bad for you but. Foods, gum will be excreted from your digestive tract for a of! Virtually intact via bowel movements in particular are more likely than adults to experience any health complications due swallowing! Diagnosis, or seeds is just WBCs that have engulfed bacteria, then died clumped... With most foods, gum will be excreted from your body can safely gum... Out of your system, still takes time to go through this process that gum! Including increased saliva production try not to swallow a little gum here and there, but not from who. For informational purposes only somehow happen to swallow a rubber base, natural... Gum will be excreted from your digestive tract and cause a stomachache, hiccups, or.... Problems because of it many pieces of gum once in a chair, sitting on the may! As kids, many of us were warned not to swallow a lot of time in... Heart and soul into the work yes you can swallow a little gum here and there, but from... Who mattered to me heard rumor that swallowing gum can constrict blood vessels, and intact! National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney Diseases and advocacy helpline for children fungal in... Not eating or drinking of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked.... A nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission there and swallow pieces. On books and newsletters from mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services.. And research ( MFMER ) the symptoms of a blockage typically include abdominal pain and,... The digestive tract and cause a full blockage, but dont make a habit of it and.! An age-old myth that, if a person were to swallow chewing gum is n't harmful if swallowed objects gum.