Khaberni - Dr. Anastasia Gostros notes that there are many myths surrounding the swallowing of gum, explaining when it may be harmful to health and whether swallowing a single piece is cause for concern.
Dr. Gostros says, "We have all heard this warning since childhood: Do not swallow gum, or it will stick to your stomach for seven years." She adds that this phrase has become part of popular heritage, but it has no scientific basis.
She explains that the traditional gum material is elastic and indigestible, including a rubber base and polymers, and this property is what created the myth. However, the human digestive system is not a smooth tube, but a strong muscular organ that moves its contents with wave-like movements (peristalsis), pushing the indigestible gum out of the body naturally within 24 to 72 hours, just like dietary fibers or vegetable seeds.
That is, swallowing a single piece of gum for a healthy person will not cause any harm, and it will exit the body within a day to three days. However, the risks lie in frequent swallowing or in large quantities, where sticky masses can accumulate and form solid foreign bodies (bezoar) that cause intestinal blockage.
Dr. Gostros also points out that children are the most at risk because they chew gum constantly and their intestines are smaller, plus their lack of awareness of the chewing and swallowing process, which increases the risk of choking. Therefore, she advises against giving gum to children who do not understand its purpose, and prefers the use of sugar-free gum that dissolves in the mouth.
Moreover, swallowing gum can exacerbate digestive issues in some people, such as those who have motility disorders of the intestines after surgeries or those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, where it may cause bloating, pain, and intestinal disorders.
Dr. Gostros emphasized that moderation and awareness are the best means to avoid any potential risks when chewing gum.
