Chewing gum before wisdom teeth removal is a common concern for patients preparing for this outpatient surgical procedure. Wisdom teeth extraction often uses intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, requiring strict adherence to pre-operative instructions. Following these guidelines is a fundamental safety measure designed to protect the patient during anesthesia. Any deviation, even minor acts like chewing gum, introduces a significant risk that may necessitate postponing the procedure.
The Direct Answer: Chewing Gum and Anesthesia Risk
You cannot chew gum before wisdom teeth removal if the procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia. This prohibition exists because chewing triggers cephalic phase secretion, signaling the stomach to prepare for digestion even if no food is swallowed.
Chewing gum stimulates saliva and digestive juices, which are swallowed and accumulate in the stomach. This increases the volume of fluid in the stomach, which is the primary medical concern. While sugarless gum may not significantly increase the acidity of stomach contents, it does increase the total volume of stomach liquids.
Excess fluid in the stomach elevates the risk of pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia. When deep sedation or general anesthesia is administered, natural protective reflexes, such as the gag reflex and the ability to cough, are suppressed. If stomach contents are regurgitated while these reflexes are inactive, the material can enter the lungs. This event, known as aspiration pneumonitis, can cause severe respiratory distress, lung damage, or death, making the rule against gum a safety protocol.
Mandatory Pre-Operative Fasting Guidelines
The prohibition against chewing gum falls under Nil Per Os (NPO) guidelines, a Latin term meaning “nothing by mouth.” These mandatory fasting requirements minimize the volume and acidity of stomach contents before anesthesia. The standard for wisdom teeth removal requires patients to stop eating all solid foods, milk, and non-clear liquids at least six to eight hours before the scheduled procedure.
Most protocols permit consuming clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include plain water, black coffee or tea without cream, and clear fruit juices like apple juice without pulp. Gum, mints, and hard candies are prohibited because they stimulate digestive secretions. Patients should confirm with the surgical team if they can take necessary medications with a small sip of water, as this is often permitted.
Immediate Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a patient fails to follow NPO guidelines, including chewing gum past the cut-off time, the surgical procedure will almost certainly be postponed or cancelled. This is a direct response to the elevated medical risk created by non-compliance. The surgical team prioritizes patient safety, and a non-fasting stomach introduces an unacceptable level of aspiration risk under anesthesia.
If a patient accidentally chews gum, eats a snack, or drinks a prohibited liquid after the cut-off time, they must immediately inform the surgical staff upon arrival. Concealing this information could lead to serious medical complications. The team will assess the situation, determine the last time anything was consumed, and typically reschedule the surgery to allow for a full fasting period.