What Happens if You Swallow a Chewing Gum?

Remember the old myth that swallowing chewing gum will stay in your digestive tracts for seven years? That turned out not to be true, but what actually happens to a swallowed gum, anyhow?

Scientific American has got the answer (including a gruesome but rare case of gum-based gastrointestinal blockage that looks like a prickly porcupine!): Link - Thanks Scott!


I've always been under the impression that swallowing gum had no effect whatsoever, so I never had a problem doing so. I now know that there are some dangers... but I doubt that I'll stop.
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I was laughing because my teacher has no toes and I accidently swallowed a peice of gum.
It's now lodged inthe back of my throat and I'm worried I'll die.
What will happen?
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