Question
A parent inquired whether a child who accidentally swallows a piece of bubble gum needs to go to the hospital for treatment.
Answer
In the case of a child swallowing bubble gum, parents should not be overly worried. Bubble gum is primarily made of gum base, which is non-toxic and will not adhere to the gastrointestinal tract. It will naturally pass out of the body with stool. It is recommended to have the child drink plenty of water to promote defecation. Although bubble gum itself is harmless, considering that a child’s digestive system is not fully mature, it should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.