What Happens to Swallowed Gum?

Almost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum, but few people have ever needed a doctor because of it. The myth about swallowed gum staying in the stomach for seven years isn’t true.

Though the stomach can't break down a piece of gum the same way it breaks down other food, the gum still passes through the body and comes out in a bowel movement (poop).

When Is Swallowed Gum a Problem?

In rare cases, swallowing a large mass of gum, or many small pieces of gum over a short period of time, can block the digestive tract. A blockage is most likely when gum is swallowed along with foreign objects, like coins, or other nondigestible materials, like sunflower seed shells.

Young children are most likely to be affected because they might not understand that gum is chewed, not swallowed.

But apart from these scenarios, swallowing an occasional piece of gum is harmless.

What Exactly Happens to the Gum?

Chewing gum is made of either natural or synthetic materials (gum resin), preservatives, flavorings, and sweeteners. The body can absorb sweeteners, like sugar, and they can add up to a lot of calories if someone chews a lot of sugary gum. The body can also absorb medicines (think of the nicotine gum people use to try to quit smoking).

But the human digestive system can't digest the gum resin. So the normal pushing (peristaltic) actions of the gut move it through the digestive tract until it comes out of the body in poop.

Are Some Kids Too Young for Gum?

Kids shouldn't chew gum until they fully understand the importance of not swallowing it. By age 5, most children will understand that gum is different than candy and is not to be swallowed.

How Much Gum Should Kids Chew?

A good rule is to have no more than one or two pieces of sugar-free gum a day.

Chewing gum is hard on dental work, and most gums that aren’t sugar-free can cause cavities. Sugar-free gum sweetened with sorbitol also can be a problem because it can cause diarrhea. Cinnamon-flavored gums of any kind may irritate the mouth lining. They can be hot and spicy in the mouth.