Yes, generally it is safe to swallow gum. While chewing gum is meant to be chewed and not swallowed, according to Elizabeth Rajan, M.D., it generally isn't harmful if swallowed.
While there's a common myth that swallowed gum sits in your stomach for seven years, this isn't true. Your body cannot digest gum, but it will pass through your system and be excreted.
Here's a breakdown:
- Swallowing Gum: It's not dangerous to swallow gum.
- Digestion: Your body can't digest gum.
- Myth vs. Fact: The seven-year digestion myth is false.
- What Happens: The gum passes through your digestive system and is eliminated.
