Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Does Swallowing Gum Cause Intestinal Problems?

What happens if you swallow gum? Does it cause intestinal problems?
David*

Almost everyone has swallowed a piece of gum at some point. But very few people ever have problems because of it.

Chewing gum is made up of the gum itself (called the gum base), preservatives, flavorings, and sweeteners. The human body cannot digest the gum base. But swallowed gum does not stay in the stomach or cause intestinal problems. That's because our bodies move most materials that can't be digested (like gum) through the digestive system and out of our bodies in a bowel movement (poop).

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. Blockages are more likely to happen when gum is swallowed along with other indigestible things (like sunflower seed shells).

Although people cannot digest the gum base, they can digest the things that have been added to chewing gum, such as sweeteners or even medicines (think of the nicotine gum used by people trying to quit smoking). The body absorbs these just through the act of chewing. So that's one way chewing gum can affect a person's health: When someone chews a lot of sugary gum, the calories can add up.

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Reviewed by: KidsHealth Medical Experts

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.