There is a myth that states gum will stay in the human stomach for 7 years after being swallowed. However, studies have shown that this is in fact incorrect. Gum is very digestible and isn’t hard to break apart in the stomach unless consumed in very large quantities due to its sticky texture. In many incidents, swallowed gum passes through the digestive system as well as any other food.
When somebody swallows gum the material is first taken down the esophagus (the first mushed food is called bolus in the digestive system) where mechanical breakdown occurs in the mouth. It is it then carried to the stomach through the action of peristalsis (a wavelike motion) so the substance doesn’t fall too quickly. In addition the epiglottis flaps over to …show more content…
For example in a 1998 paper a 4-year-old-boy required medical attention because he swallowed too much gum, resulting in 2-year constipation. It had been found that he swallowed gum anywhere from two to seven times a day. The boy would be rewarded with gum for well behavior, however in the long run this caused the gum to build-up causing a solid mass, which was unable to leave his body. Another 1-year-old girl seeked medical attention when she swallowed her gum along with four coins. This caused the two objects to stick together and block the pathway in her esophagus. When you get foreign sticky objects stuck in your stomach it starts to build up, this is called a bezoar resulting in blockage, many times caused by gum. However, if the gum is tiny enough then it passes out of the stomach easily. Although as shown in these two cases with large amounts or other objects the gum can cause other complications, so it is recommended that you don’t give gum to young children in the case they may not understand not to swallow …show more content…
Sugar-free gum sweetened with a substance called xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol has been shown to actually reduce cavities and not cause tooth decay. The reason for this is because the material in this sugar free gum does not include the harsh substance of streptococcus mutans, which are bacteria that break down tooth enamel. This is because the food and sucrose take an affect on the teeth causing demineralization, but when added with calcium lactate it reduces this. Many times this calcium lactate is placed in gums and also toothpastes to help diminish tooth decay. In addition gum can do stimulate saliva production within the mouth, which washes out the mouth to be cleansed. It has been proven that chewing gum for 20 minutes after a meal helps prevent enamel break down by the American Dental Association. This is because the act of chewing the sugar-free gum can produce saliva, which rids of any bacteria, resulting in the repair of teeth in good condition. Then this saliva can carry down to the esophagus where it is a neutralizing acid. Therefore the saliva is helping rather than hindering the digestive process. However, there is has been cases found that gum can stimulate stomach ulcers. This is because the gum causes the stomach to secrete acid and the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes that aren’t needed but rather extra. When this happens and
When somebody swallows gum the material is first taken down the esophagus (the first mushed food is called bolus in the digestive system) where mechanical breakdown occurs in the mouth. It is it then carried to the stomach through the action of peristalsis (a wavelike motion) so the substance doesn’t fall too quickly. In addition the epiglottis flaps over to …show more content…
For example in a 1998 paper a 4-year-old-boy required medical attention because he swallowed too much gum, resulting in 2-year constipation. It had been found that he swallowed gum anywhere from two to seven times a day. The boy would be rewarded with gum for well behavior, however in the long run this caused the gum to build-up causing a solid mass, which was unable to leave his body. Another 1-year-old girl seeked medical attention when she swallowed her gum along with four coins. This caused the two objects to stick together and block the pathway in her esophagus. When you get foreign sticky objects stuck in your stomach it starts to build up, this is called a bezoar resulting in blockage, many times caused by gum. However, if the gum is tiny enough then it passes out of the stomach easily. Although as shown in these two cases with large amounts or other objects the gum can cause other complications, so it is recommended that you don’t give gum to young children in the case they may not understand not to swallow …show more content…
Sugar-free gum sweetened with a substance called xylitol, sorbitol, and maltitol has been shown to actually reduce cavities and not cause tooth decay. The reason for this is because the material in this sugar free gum does not include the harsh substance of streptococcus mutans, which are bacteria that break down tooth enamel. This is because the food and sucrose take an affect on the teeth causing demineralization, but when added with calcium lactate it reduces this. Many times this calcium lactate is placed in gums and also toothpastes to help diminish tooth decay. In addition gum can do stimulate saliva production within the mouth, which washes out the mouth to be cleansed. It has been proven that chewing gum for 20 minutes after a meal helps prevent enamel break down by the American Dental Association. This is because the act of chewing the sugar-free gum can produce saliva, which rids of any bacteria, resulting in the repair of teeth in good condition. Then this saliva can carry down to the esophagus where it is a neutralizing acid. Therefore the saliva is helping rather than hindering the digestive process. However, there is has been cases found that gum can stimulate stomach ulcers. This is because the gum causes the stomach to secrete acid and the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes that aren’t needed but rather extra. When this happens and