Does chewing gum swallow air, causing bloating?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a common cause of excessive flatulence is swallowing air. This process, known as aerophagia, is a direct side effect of chewing gum for many people. However, swallowed air is not the only reason gum might cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Artificial sweeteners in sugar-free varieties can also contribute to unwanted gas and bloating.

Quick Summary

Chewing gum can lead to swallowing excess air, a condition known as aerophagia, which contributes to gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Ingredients like sugar alcohols found in many sugar-free gums can also exacerbate digestive issues. Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are particularly susceptible to these effects. Limiting gum consumption and adopting mindful habits can help reduce symptoms.

Key Points

Aerophagia is a major cause: Repetitive chewing increases the amount of air swallowed, a condition known as aerophagia, which directly contributes to bloating and gas.
Sugar alcohols are problematic: Many sugar-free gums contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol that ferment in the gut, causing additional gas and bloating, especially in sensitive individuals.
IBS sufferers are more sensitive: People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are particularly susceptible to digestive issues from chewing gum, both from swallowed air and from artificial sweeteners.
Lifestyle changes can help: Avoiding carbonated drinks, eating and drinking slowly, and exercising can all help reduce gas and bloating.
Consider alternative habits: Sucking on a mint instead of chewing gum can offer a similar breath-freshening effect with less risk of aerophagia.

Understanding Aerophagia: The Connection to Chewing Gum

Aerophagia, the medical term for swallowing excessive air, is a primary culprit behind the digestive discomfort associated with chewing gum. The repetitive action of chewing gum can cause you to swallow more air than usual, leading to a build-up of gas in the stomach and intestines. This can result in bloating, abdominal pain, and frequent belching. Medical professionals often suggest reducing gum use to alleviate these issues.

How Gum Ingredients Exacerbate Gas

Sugar alcohols, commonly used as artificial sweeteners in sugar-free gum, can cause digestive problems. These ingredients are not fully absorbed by the body and are fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas production in the large intestine. Common sugar alcohols found in gum include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and maltitol, all of which can contribute to gas, bloating, and sometimes diarrhea.

The Link Between Chewing Gum and IBS

Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or sensitive digestive systems may be more affected by chewing gum. The combination of swallowed air and the effects of sugar alcohols can trigger IBS symptoms. Artificial sweeteners in gum are known to cause diarrhea in people with sensitive guts. Chewing also signals the body to release digestive enzymes and acids, which can cause discomfort when no food is being processed.

Comparison: Gum vs. Mints for Freshening Breath


Feature	Chewing Gum	Sucking on Mints/Hard Candy
Swallowed Air	Increases risk of aerophagia due to repetitive chewing.	Can also increase air swallowing, but generally less frequent swallowing action.
Sugar Alcohols	Common in sugar-free varieties; can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.	Often contain sugar alcohols, leading to similar digestive issues.
Digestive Enzymes	Signals the body to release enzymes and acids, which can upset the stomach.	Less stimulation of chewing action, so less triggering of digestive enzymes.
Breath Freshening	Often effective, but mint flavoring can cause negative effects for some.	Effective and can provide a similar flavor without constant chewing.
Jaw Stress	Can lead to overuse of jaw muscles and TMJ issues.	No significant impact on jaw muscles, unless chewed instead of sucked.

What to Do to Reduce Air Swallowing

To reduce gas and bloating potentially caused by chewing gum:

Reduce or stop chewing gum. Consider sucking on a mint instead for breath freshening, which may reduce swallowed air.
Eat and drink slowly. This helps minimize the amount of air you swallow.
Avoid carbonated drinks. Fizzy drinks add gas to your system.
Stay active. Gentle movement after eating can aid digestion.
Check gum ingredients. Look for sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol if you suspect they are causing issues.
Address underlying conditions. If you have IBS or other digestive issues, managing those conditions is crucial.

Conclusion

Yes, chewing gum can contribute to swallowing air and causing bloating due to aerophagia and the effects of sugar alcohols in sugar-free varieties. Being mindful of your chewing habits, ingredient sensitivities, and making simple lifestyle adjustments can help reduce these symptoms. If you experience severe or persistent digestive problems, consult a medical professional. More information on digestive health is available from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chewing gum can cause bloating and gas. This is primarily due to swallowing extra air (aerophagia) during the chewing process. Additionally, artificial sweeteners found in many sugar-free gums can cause gas by fermenting in the intestines.

Aerophagia is the medical term for swallowing excessive air. It is related to gum chewing because the repetitive and frequent act of chewing can lead a person to gulp down more air than they normally would, which can then accumulate in the digestive system.

Sugar-free gum often uses artificial sweeteners called sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol. These are incompletely absorbed by the body and are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas and causing bloating, cramping, or diarrhea.

Yes, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often more sensitive to the effects of chewing gum. The combination of swallowed air and sugar alcohols can easily trigger or worsen their symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating.

Good alternatives to chewing gum for fresh breath include sucking on a mint or a hard candy (while being mindful of sugar content and air swallowing), or simply drinking water. This can reduce the amount of air swallowed while still providing a pleasant taste.

You can reduce swallowed air by eating and drinking slowly and mindfully. Avoiding habits like using straws, smoking, and drinking carbonated beverages also helps. Chewing with your mouth closed is a simple but effective technique.

Yes, the act of chewing can signal your body to prepare for digestion by releasing acids and enzymes. When no food follows, this can increase stomach acid and lead to discomfort and bloating.