May I chew gum, eat hard candy or brush my teeth on the day of surgery?

Although not swallowed, chewing gum and candy still increase the amount of acid your stomach produces. This in turn will increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration (see “What may I eat prior to my surgery?” above).  Therefore, we advise that patients do not chew gum or eat hard candy prior to surgery for their safety. Brushing your teeth is allowed if the water is not swallowed.