What happens when you swallow gum? -Class 9-10 find out!

Our mini scientists ages 9-10, have been finding out what really happens when you swallow gum?. During their science investigation, children have been learning about the human digestive system. They can confidently label parts of the digestive system using vocabulary such as; Stomach, esophagus, large intestine, salivary glands and small intestine. Children shouldn’t chew gum until they fully understand the importance of not swallowing it. By age 5, most children will understand that gum is different than sweets and is not to be swallowed. Chewing gum is made of either natural or synthetic materials (gum resin), preservatives, flavorings, and sweeteners. The body can absorb sweeteners, such as sugar But the human digestive tract can’t digest the gum resin. It’s moved through the digestive tract by the normal pushing (peristaltic) actions of the gut. The gum’s journey ends during a trip to the bathroom!