Can You Eat Bubblegum? Debunking the Myths of Swallowed Gum

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Mayo Clinic experts, the myth that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years is false; a small piece will generally pass through your system just like any other indigestible material. While bubblegum is not meant for consumption, the occasional accidental swallow is unlikely to cause any harm to a healthy adult's digestive system.

Quick Summary

The occasional accidental swallowing of bubblegum is harmless and the gum will pass through the body within a few days. The 'seven-year' myth is folklore, but excessive ingestion, particularly in children, can rarely cause blockages.

Key Points

The 'Seven-Year' Myth Is False: Medical professionals confirm that swallowed gum does not stay in your stomach for years; it passes through your digestive system within a few days.
Bubblegum Is Indigestible: The body cannot break down the synthetic polymers and resins that make up the gum base, but it can digest the sweeteners and flavorings.
Most Swallowing is Harmless: An occasional, accidental swallowing of gum is generally harmless for healthy adults, and the gum will be expelled with other waste.
Excessive Swallowing Poses Risks: Swallowing large amounts of gum, especially in children, can rarely cause a bezoar, a mass that can lead to intestinal blockage.
Sugar-Free Gum Can Cause Discomfort: Some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea from the sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) found in large quantities of sugar-free gum.
Chewing Gum Has Benefits: The act of chewing gum can offer some benefits, such as freshening breath, stimulating saliva flow, and potentially aiding digestion after a meal.

Debunking the Seven-Year Myth

The enduring belief that swallowed bubblegum remains in the stomach for seven years is simply a myth. Medical science confirms that the human digestive system processes indigestible materials efficiently.

How the Digestive System Handles Bubblegum

When gum is swallowed, the digestive process treats it similarly to other substances the body cannot break down, such as corn kernels. Digestive juices act on the water-soluble parts like sweeteners and flavorings, but the indigestible gum base, composed of synthetic materials, travels through the intestines and is expelled in stool, typically within a few days.

Why Do People Believe the Myth?

The myth likely originated as a way to discourage children from swallowing gum and is reinforced by the gum's inherent stickiness and resistance to breaking down, unlike most foods.

Potential Risks of Swallowing Gum

While swallowing a single piece of gum is generally harmless, risks can arise from frequent or excessive ingestion, particularly in children or those with existing digestive issues.

Blockages and Bezoars

Swallowing large quantities of gum can rarely lead to a bezoar, an indigestible mass causing intestinal blockage. This is more common in children who swallow multiple pieces or combine gum with other indigestible items. Symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, and vomiting may indicate a blockage.

Digestive Discomfort from Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols found in sugar-free gums can cause digestive issues like gas and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts, especially for those with IBS.

Chewing vs. Swallowing: A Comparison


Feature	Chewing Bubblegum (Standard Use)	Swallowing Bubblegum (Accidental Ingestion)
Digestion	Sugars and flavorings absorbed; gum base remains intact in mouth.	Sugars and flavorings digested; indigestible gum base passes through body intact.
Absorption	Nutrients and sweeteners absorbed through saliva.	Nutrients and sweeteners absorbed; no nutritional value gained from the base.
Health Benefits	May improve memory and concentration, freshen breath, aid digestion post-meal.	No health benefits; potential for risk if consumed in excess.
Potential Risks	Jaw pain (TMD) from excessive chewing, headaches in some individuals.	Intestinal blockage (very rare), digestive discomfort from sugar alcohols.
Recommended Use	Standard and safe practice.	Avoided, though occasional accidental swallowing is harmless.

How to Chew Gum Safely

Safe gum practices include spitting out gum after chewing, consuming it in moderation, and supervising children to ensure they don't swallow it. Choosing sugar-free gum with xylitol can offer dental benefits.

For additional information on the dental aspects of chewing gum, Healthline offers an article on the topic.

Conclusion

While bubblegum is not meant to be eaten because its base is indigestible, accidentally swallowing a single piece is generally harmless and will pass through your system within a few days, contrary to the persistent 'seven-year' myth. The main risks are associated with frequent and excessive swallowing, particularly in children, which can rarely cause intestinal blockages. Responsible chewing and understanding the facts allow for worry-free enjoyment of gum.

Safe Gum Chewing Practices

Chewing vs. Swallowing: Bubblegum is designed to be chewed and not swallowed, as the body cannot digest its base.
Occasional Swallowing is Harmless: Swallowing a single, accidental piece of gum is generally harmless for a healthy adult and passes within a few days.
Avoid Excessive Swallowing: Consuming large quantities of gum, especially in a short period, can lead to intestinal blockages known as bezoars, a risk particularly elevated for children.
Watch for Sugar Alcohols: The sugar alcohols in sugar-free gum can cause digestive discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea if consumed in excess.
Dental Health Considerations: Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol can benefit oral health by increasing saliva flow and inhibiting bacteria.
Supervise Young Children: Parents should ensure children are old enough to understand not to swallow gum due to the heightened risk of obstruction.
Separate Fact from Myth: The belief that gum stays in your stomach for seven years is a false myth, debunked by medical experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a myth. Swallowed gum will not remain in your stomach for seven years. It passes through your digestive system and is expelled in your stool within a few days, similar to other indigestible materials.

Once swallowed, the gum base, which is indigestible, travels through your digestive tract with other waste. Your body absorbs the sugars and flavorings, but the base itself is expelled intact, just like fibrous plant matter.

While a single piece is harmless, children who frequently or excessively swallow gum are at a very rare risk of developing an intestinal blockage, particularly if the gum combines with other indigestible objects.

Yes, excessive consumption of sugar-free gum can lead to digestive issues. Many sugar-free gums contain sugar alcohols (like sorbitol) which can cause bloating, gas, and have a laxative effect when ingested in large quantities.

Swallowing gum can be a choking hazard, especially for young children who may not understand the difference between chewing and swallowing. This is why parents are often advised to wait until children can safely handle gum.

No, the intestines are not sticky in the same way gum is. The constant movement and lubricating fluids in your digestive tract prevent the gum from adhering to the walls, ensuring it passes through normally.

Chewing gum, particularly sugar-free varieties, has several benefits, including freshening breath, stimulating saliva production (which helps clean teeth), and potentially aiding digestion and improving focus.