Is it really bad to swallow chewing gum? what happens to the gum?

Should be fine: Do not make this a habit please. I you swallow the gum your body will try to digest it. The rest will probably be passed in the stool.

No and nothing.: Nothing bad can happen unless you make a habit of eating nothing but chewing gum. Swallowing a lot of gum in a day may cause some stomach cramping, but the gum simply passes through your G.I. Tract and is pooped out.

Usually not a big : Deal. Usually there isn't a problem as the gum will pass harmlessly through the body. However, there are rare cases of chewing gum bezoars which have occurred causing esophageal ; intestinal obstruction (http://pediatrics.Aappublications.Org/content/102/2/e22.Full). Lack of absorption of sorbitol in sugarless gym can sometimes lead to gas, loose stools and abdominal pain.