PATIENT INFORMATION
What about chewing gum?
If you have been told not to chew gum, follow that instruction.
What current guidance suggests
Current ASA guidance suggests that an elective procedure in an otherwise healthy adult does not necessarily need to be delayed solely because the person chewed gum while fasting, but the gum should be removed before sedative or anaesthetic medicines are given.
This does not mean chewing gum is encouraged before surgery, and it does not apply automatically to every patient.
What to do
- Tell the team if you have chewed gum while fasting.
- Remove gum before going to the procedure room.
- Tell the team if you accidentally swallowed gum.
- Do not chew gum as a substitute for drinking if you are thirsty. Ask staff instead.
Sweets, mints and nicotine gum
Guidelines differ on sweets and mints: some newer guidance treats sucking sweets like chewing gum, while many hospitals still ask patients to avoid them. Nicotine gum contains nicotine and is treated differently again. Check your hospital’s instructions and mention any of these to the team.