The Indigestible Reality of Chewing Gum
Unlike candy, which is designed to dissolve and be fully digested by the body, chewing gum is fundamentally different. Its core component, the "gum base," is an indigestible substance that provides the chewy texture. This base is composed of a non-nutritive, water-insoluble blend of synthetic polymers, elastomers, resins, and plasticizers. Your body has no enzymes capable of breaking down these rubbery compounds.
What happens to swallowed gum?
When you swallow a piece of gum, its soluble components, such as sweeteners and flavorings, are absorbed by the body. The indigestible gum base, however, passes through your digestive system mostly intact, much like other tough-to-digest materials such as corn or seeds. Most of the time, this process is uneventful, and the gum is expelled in your stool within a few days. However, this is where the critical distinction between accidental ingestion and eating gum "like candy" lies.
The Real Dangers of Frequent Ingestion
Eating gum like candy, which means swallowing multiple pieces in a short period, can be dangerous. When large amounts of gum are swallowed over time, they can accumulate into a solid mass known as a bezoar. A bezoar can cause a severe intestinal blockage that may require medical intervention, and in some rare cases, surgery, to remove.
Risks for children
Children are at a higher risk for this complication, as their smaller intestines are more susceptible to blockages, and they may be less aware of the dangers of swallowing gum. Complicating matters, children might swallow other objects that can stick to the mass of gum, increasing the size and risk of the blockage. Medical experts strongly advise against giving gum to very young children until they understand that it is not meant to be swallowed.
Potential Side Effects of Ingredients and Habits
Beyond the risk of blockages from the gum base, other ingredients and the act of chewing itself can cause issues, especially with frequent consumption.
- Sugar alcohols: Many sugar-free gums contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol. Consumed in large quantities, these can have a laxative effect, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and cramping. People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are particularly susceptible to these effects.
- Excessive air swallowing: The constant chewing motion can cause you to swallow excess air. This can lead to bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
- Mercury release from fillings: For individuals with older amalgam dental fillings that contain mercury, frequent and vigorous chewing can potentially increase the release of mercury vapor into the body.
- Tooth damage (for sugary gums): While sugar-free gum is beneficial for teeth, chewing gum with sugar provides a constant food source for cavity-causing bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and decay.
- Jaw problems: Chewing gum excessively can strain the jaw muscles, leading to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause headaches, earaches, and pain in the jaw.
Comparison: Chewing vs. Eating Gum
| Feature | Chewing Gum (in Moderation) | Eating Gum (Like Candy) |
|---|---|---|
| Intended Use | Designed to be chewed and discarded. | Not its intended purpose; poses significant health risks. |
| Primary Risk | Minimal. Can lead to TMJ if done excessively. | Digestive blockages (bezoars), particularly with large or frequent ingestion. |
| Digestive Process | Does not enter the digestive tract. | Indigestible gum base passes through the digestive tract. |
| Effect on Teeth | Sugar-free versions can benefit oral health by increasing saliva flow. | Sugary versions contribute to tooth decay; sugar-free can cause digestive issues. |
| Gastrointestinal Impact | May cause some bloating from swallowed air. | High risk of bloating, cramping, and diarrhea from sugar alcohols and blockages from gum base. |
| Safety for Children | Safe for children who understand not to swallow. | Extremely dangerous for young children, who are more likely to swallow it and at greater risk for blockages. |
Conclusion: Not a Harmless Habit
While the occasional accidental swallowing of a piece of gum is generally not a cause for concern, deliberately eating gum like candy is an ill-advised and potentially harmful habit. The indigestible nature of the gum base, combined with the side effects of certain ingredients and the potential for severe intestinal blockages, makes it a poor substitute for edible sweets. It's crucial to understand the difference between chewing gum for its intended purpose and treating it as a confection. For those with digestive sensitivities, or when supervising young children, the message is clear: gum is for chewing, not for eating. For a better understanding of chewing gum's potential effects, see this detailed resource from Healthline.
