What Should I Do if My Baby Swallows Chewing Gum?

If a baby swallows chewing gum, it is recommended to first observe any changes in the baby, such as their bowel movements, whether they are showing signs of discomfort, fussiness, or crying. Generally, chewing gum is not harmful to human health. After the baby swallows the chewing gum, it loses its stickiness. The gum or rubber in the chewing gum cannot be absorbed by the body, so it will be expelled from the body along with gastrointestinal peristalsis.

Although chewing gum contains a certain amount of gelatin, when it enters the stomach and encounters stomach acid, it undergoes hydrolysis under the action of stomach acid, coupled with the action of digestive enzymes. Eventually, the chewing gum can undergo complete denaturation and be expelled from the body through normal digestive pathways. Therefore, it is generally not dangerous for children to swallow chewing gum.

Ingesting chewing gum accidentally is generally not a problem. It will be expelled through intestinal peristalsis and will not have any impact on human health. The gum contained in chewing gum is generally not absorbed by the intestines and will not have any adverse effects on human health.

The intestines and stomach of humans are relatively smooth, and they secrete a large amount of mucus. Chewing gum cannot adhere to the stomach or intestinal walls. After being swallowed, it cannot be digested and will be expelled through feces. Additionally, it is not recommended for infants and toddlers under three years of age to chew chewing gum, as chewing it on an empty stomach may cause some discomfort, such as nausea and dizziness. Prolonged chewing of chewing gum may also lead to conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers. It is also recommended that the time spent chewing chewing gum after eating should not exceed 20 minutes, as prolonged chewing may secrete digestive juices that can damage the gastric mucosa.

Please note that this is general information, and if you have any concerns about your child swallowing chewing gum, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice.