What should I do if I accidentally swallow chewing gum?
Aug 06, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
If gum is accidentally swallowed, measures such as staying calm, maintaining normal diet, monitoring symptoms, increasing supervision, and avoiding repeated accidental swallowing can be taken. Accidental ingestion of gum generally does not pose a health risk and can be managed simply through normal eating and observation, without excessive concern. Developing safe chewing habits can effectively reduce the risk of accidental swallowing, particularly requiring extra attention to children's safety.
Generally, if gum is accidentally swallowed, measures such as staying calm, maintaining normal eating habits, observing symptoms, increasing vigilance, and avoiding repeated accidental swallowing can be taken. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Stay Calm
Gum mainly consists of gum base, sweeteners, and flavoring agents. The gum base itself is non-toxic and has a soft texture that does not adhere to the gastrointestinal mucosa. There's no need to panic after accidental swallowing. Never attempt to induce vomiting by using fingers to stimulate the throat, to avoid damaging the throat mucosa or causing aspiration.
2. Maintain Normal Eating Habits
Continue eating normally and consume more fiber-rich foods such as leeks, celery, and whole grains. Dietary fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and help the gum pass naturally with feces. Drink sufficient water to maintain bowel regularity. Generally, the gum will be excreted within 1-3 days and will not remain inside the body.
3. Monitor Symptoms
Watch for abnormal symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloating, which may indicate gastrointestinal blockage caused by the gum. If no symptoms appear, it indicates the gum has entered the gastrointestinal tract and requires no special treatment; however, if any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.
4. Increase Vigilance
After a child accidentally swallows gum, parents should closely monitor their breathing, eating, and bowel movements. Because children have narrower digestive tracts, refusal to eat, persistent crying, or vomiting might indicate gum retention, requiring immediate medical attention. An abdominal X-ray or endoscopic examination may be needed to locate and remove the gum.
5. Prevent Recurrent Accidental Swallowing
Stay focused while chewing gum, avoiding playing, talking, or laughing to reduce the risk of swallowing it accidentally. Children should chew gum only under adult supervision, and gum should not be given to children under 3 years old to prevent choking if it is accidentally inhaled into the trachea.
Accidental swallowing of gum generally does not pose a health hazard and will pass naturally with normal eating and observation, so there is no need for excessive concern. Only in very rare cases may an intestinal obstruction occur, which requires timely medical intervention. Developing safe chewing habits can effectively reduce the risk of accidental swallowing, especially in children, who require particular attention.
