Question:
What does the jury say on chewing sugarless gum post-op?
Hi everyone...I'm just about a week post-op...have a slight case of thrush...any opinions/ideas about chewing sugarless gum post-op? I eat every hour -- and brushing every hour just seems to incredibly tedious. I'd rather pop a piece of the type of gum that's supposed to clean your teeth. I suppose that if I didn't have thrush I'd be more willing to just do trial and error. Any feedback? — Karen B. (posted on June 13, 2002)
June 13, 2002
Hi! I am still preop, BUT I listened to a surgeon just this evening on the
topic of chewing gum. He said DO NOT chew it. He said if it accidentally
gets swallowed it does not break down in your new pouch, and it will plug
you up.... He said it is not fun. I really dont know much except that he
just said this tonight... Good LucK
— [Deactivated Member]
June 13, 2002
Hi Karen, I am 15 weeks out, and I chew gum ALL the time. Sugarless of
course! My attitude/opinion about this issue is that I have NEVER in my 41
years on this earth swallowed a piece of gum either by accident or
intentionally, and I don't think I ever will! You know yourself best. Is
this something you've had a problem with (accidentally or unconsciously)
swallowing your gum? If so, then I wouldn't take the chance. But if you're
like me, then why fret over it?
— blank first name B.
June 13, 2002
I have to agree with Gretchen. Doctors that tell us not to chew gum
because we might swallow it must think we're idiots. I'm not saying it
can't happen; I am saying that I haven't swallowed a piece of gum, unless I
meant to, since about age 3. Obviously now, I'm not going to swallow a
piece on purpose. I'm now 5 weeks post-op, and I've been chewing Extra gum
since about Day 6. Chew it if you want to, but don't obsess about
it--obsessing about NOT swallowing it could cause you to swallow it!
— Kristie B.
June 13, 2002
i use the listerine strips. they are great. they are very refreshing and
take away the bad breath. small enough to fit in a pocket and you can use
them anytime...
— candymom64
June 14, 2002
When I had my JP drain tube removed (one week post op) I asked my surgeon
if I could chew sugarless gum and he said "Yes". I love the
Spearmint ORBIT. ~Rachelle
— rdszakacs
June 14, 2002
You guys are the greatest...thanks for your responses! I love gum --
although I'm a teacher and can't chew it most of the time (have to set a
good example!) :) I've never had a problem swallowing it -- but then
there was that one time when I was six and slept with gum in my mouth, and
the next day Mom had to give me a new hairstyle... :) Ha. I also have an
assortment of sugarless mints and such -- the Listerine strips, Velamints
Chocolate Mints, you all know the list... :) If only they made those new
Skittle mints without sugar! Love those! Love to you all...and thanks
for your help. :)
— Karen B.
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