We’ve all heard the old myth: “If you swallow gum, it stays in your stomach for seven years.” But is there any truth to this? Many of us have accidentally or intentionally swallowed a piece of chewing gum at some point in our lives. While it’s easy to brush it off as harmless, you might be wondering what actually happens to your body when you swallow chewing gum. Let’s dive in and explore what happens after that gum hits your stomach.

Is Swallowing Gum Dangerous?

First things first: no, swallowing chewing gum isn’t as dangerous as some myths suggest. The most common concern is that gum will lodge itself in your digestive tract and cause a blockage. While this can theoretically happen, it is extremely rare. Most of the time, your body will simply pass the gum through your system without any issues.

Gum is made from gum base, which is a non-digestible substance. However, your digestive system can still break down and absorb the other components of chewing gum, such as sweeteners, flavorings, and colorants. The main concern comes when large quantities of gum are swallowed, especially over an extended period.

Video: The TRUTH About Swallowing Gum

What Happens in Your Digestive System?

When you swallow chewing gum, the journey it takes through your digestive system is quite fascinating:

1. The Esophagus: After you swallow the gum, it travels down your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). This is just like any other food you swallow. Your esophagus uses muscular contractions, known as peristalsis, to move the gum down.
2. The Stomach: Once the gum reaches your stomach, it will sit there for a little while. Since gum base is non-digestible, your stomach won’t break it down like it does with food. However, your stomach acids will begin to break down the other ingredients in the gum, such as sweeteners and flavorings.
3. The Small Intestine: After staying in the stomach for a while, the gum moves into the small intestine. The rest of the gum is mostly unaffected by digestion, but it doesn’t stay there for long. Your digestive system will continue pushing the gum through, eventually passing it out of the body.
4. The Large Intestine and Out: Finally, the gum reaches the large intestine, where any remaining particles get absorbed, and the gum is passed out of your system in your stool. It usually takes about 24 to 48 hours for the gum to make its way through your digestive system.

Can Gum Cause Digestive Problems?

In most cases, swallowing chewing gum doesn’t cause any harm. However, there are a few rare situations where it might lead to complications:

1. Choking Hazard: If you swallow gum while talking, laughing, or not paying attention, it could cause a choking hazard, especially for young children. Always be cautious when chewing gum, and don’t swallow it unless you’re sure it’s safe to do so.
2. Gum and Blockages: In extreme cases, if large amounts of gum are swallowed or if it’s combined with other indigestible substances (like coins or plastic), it could potentially cause a blockage in the digestive tract. This is more likely to happen in children who swallow gum frequently, leading to what is called “bezoars”—solid masses in the stomach or intestines. This, however, is extremely rare.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues: For some people, swallowing gum might cause mild discomfort, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the stomach. This is generally a temporary issue and resolves once the gum is passed through the system.

What About the Seven-Year Myth?

As mentioned earlier, there’s a popular myth that chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years. The truth is, this is a myth with no basis in reality. Your body doesn’t hold onto gum for years; it eventually gets passed through the digestive system. So, if you accidentally swallow a piece of gum, you can rest assured that it will pass through your body within a couple of days, just like any other food.

How Does Chewing Gum Affect Your Body Otherwise?

While swallowing gum isn’t harmful in small amounts, chewing gum itself can have some other effects on your body:

1. Dental Health: Chewing gum can help clean your teeth, especially sugar-free gum. The act of chewing increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away food particles. However, sugar-sweetened gum can contribute to tooth decay if chewed frequently.
2. Jaw and Facial Muscles: Constantly chewing gum may lead to jaw pain, muscle strain, or even a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects the jaw joint. If you chew gum excessively, it might cause discomfort or stiffness in the jaw.
3. Digestive Stimulation: Chewing gum stimulates the production of gastric acid, which is useful for digestion. However, if you chew gum too often or on an empty stomach, it can lead to acid reflux or a sensation of bloating as the stomach prepares for food that isn’t actually coming.

The Right Way to Swallow Gum (If You Must)

If you happen to swallow gum, here are a few tips to minimize any risk:

• Swallow small pieces: Avoid swallowing large amounts of gum. A single piece here and there won’t cause issues.
• Don’t swallow often: Try not to make a habit out of swallowing gum, especially for children. It’s best to spit it out when you’re done chewing.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps your digestive system move things along smoothly.

Conclusion: Swallowing Gum – Not as Scary as It Seems

In conclusion, swallowing chewing gum isn’t as dangerous as many people think. While it’s not ideal to swallow large amounts of gum regularly, your body is more than capable of handling the occasional slip-up. The gum will pass through your system within a day or two without causing any major harm.

Just be sure to stay aware of the potential risks—especially the rare cases of digestive blockages—and avoid making swallowing gum a regular habit. If you enjoy chewing gum, make sure you dispose of it properly after you’re done to keep your digestive system in tip-top shape.

So, next time you accidentally swallow a piece of gum, don’t worry too much—it’ll be out of your system soon enough!