Chewing Gum

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

If you discover your child has swallowed chewing gum, do not panic. Inspect your child’s mouth to make sure there are no more pieces of gum remaining and give the child some water to drink.

Chewing gum is primarily composed of a gum base, sweeteners, flavorings, and softeners. The gum base is an indigestible mixture of natural and synthetic materials, such as elastomers, resins, and waxes. Together, these ingredients make a product that’s enjoyable to chew but not meant to be swallowed, as it is resistant to the body’s stomach acids and bile during digestion.

What Happens When You Swallow Gum?

Contrary to popular belief, chewing gum does not stay in your body for seven years. Swallowed gum typically passes through the digestive system within a few hours. Here’s what generally happens when you or your child swallows gum:

• Indigestible Base: It passes through the esophagus and into the stomach. The stomach acids and digestive enzymes try to break down the gum, but the gum base is insoluble and cannot be digested. Despite this, it does not “stick” to the stomach lining.
• Transit Through the Digestive System: Along with other food items, the gum travels through the digestive tract. In most cases, it will pass naturally without causing harm.
• Excretion: Eventually, the gum is excreted in the stool. There is no need to worry about gum remaining in the body for years.

Potential Risks to Consider

While swallowing a small piece of gum is usually harmless, there are important exceptions:

• Preexisting Digestive Issues: For children or adults with existing gastrointestinal problems—such as a history of intestinal blockages or other conditions—the indigestible nature of gum might contribute to complications.
• Multiple Swallowings: Repeated swallowing of gum over a short period could potentially lead to a buildup, which might cause a blockage in rare cases.

It is always best to keep an eye on young children when they’re enjoying gum, and to gently remind them not to swallow it.

When should I seek medical advice after swallowing gum?

If you or your child experiences symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, or vomiting after swallowing gum, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

If you would like to learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible poison exposures, visit our First Aid for Poisoning page. Learn more about the four different routes of poisoning that can occur and how to react to each. We have first-aid videos in the event of swallowing, skin contact, eye exposure, or inhalation.