Children’s accidental ingestion of chewing gum is common, mainly because the gum base it contains is difficult for the human body to digest. The gum base moves slowly in the digestive tract and may take one to two weeks to be excreted from the body, which is harmful to a child’s health and may even lead to severe diarrhea. Chewing gum is made up of a complex composition, typically including sugars, gum base, various food additives, and flavorings. Additives such as food coloring, antioxidants, and lubricants are also common ingredients. The sweeteners come from various sources, including products that use traditional white sugar or syrups, as well as sugar-free types that use xylitol or sorbitol to prevent tooth decay. Gum base, as the fundamental material in chewing gum, traditionally comes from the resin of the red pine tree, but due to limited natural resources, modern chewing gum is mostly made from other natural or synthetic materials. Although gum base is hard for the body to digest and absorb, if accidentally swallowed, it does not permanently stay in the stomach. The human body typically naturally excretes it through the intestinal pushing mechanism within 1 to 2 days to a week, rather than the myth of several years. Moreover, frequent chewing of gum can stimulate saliva production, which may lead to excessive oral activity in the long run, and unnecessary excessive saliva production is not beneficial. Especially when chewing outdoors, it may also cause a feeling of discomfort due to excessive air swallowing into the stomach. In conclusion, although chewing gum is eventually expelled from the body, it does not benefit a child’s healthy growth and may even lead to issues like diarrhea and bloating. Therefore, parents should guide children to consume chewing gum in moderation and avoid swallowing it.
