Dr. Gostrous says, "We've all heard this warning since childhood: Don't swallow chewing gum, or it will stick to your stomach for seven years." She adds that this saying has become part of folklore, but it has no scientific basis .
She explains that traditional chewing gum is made of a flexible, non-digestible material, 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 powerful muscular organ that propels its contents through wave-like movements ( peristalsis ), causing the non-digestible gum to pass naturally within 24 to 72 hours , just like dietary fiber or vegetable seeds.
Swallowing a single piece of gum will not cause any harm to a healthy person, and it will pass through the body within one to three days. However, the danger lies in repeated swallowing or in large quantities , as the sticky clumps can accumulate and form foreign bodies ( bezoars ) that cause intestinal obstruction.
children are the most vulnerable group because they chew gum constantly, have smaller intestines, and lack awareness of proper chewing and swallowing techniques, increasing the risk of choking . Therefore, she advises against giving gum to children who don't understand its purpose and recommends using sugar-free gum that dissolves in the mouth .
Furthermore, swallowing gum can exacerbate digestive problems in some people, such as those with post-operative bowel movement disorders, or people with irritable bowel syndrome, as it may cause bloating, pain, and bowel disturbances.
Dr. Gostrus emphasized that moderation and awareness are the best ways to avoid any potential risks when chewing gum.
