Losing a tooth is an event that virtually everyone experiences multiple times throughout their life, especially children transitioning from baby teeth to permanent ones. While teeth typically end up under a pillow for the tooth fairy, there is a slight but rare risk of accidentally swallowing them when they come loose. Although not a common occurrence, it's essential to know what to do in such an unlikely scenario.
Remember, you don't need to panic. Thousands of people swallow teeth accidentally every year. You're unlikely to face any immediate medical issues. However, it's still important to be aware of the potential risks. So, what happens if you swallow a tooth?
In this article, we'll explore the consequences of accidentally swallowing a tooth and discuss potential, albeit rare, complications.
Are Teeth Digestible?
Teeth are not meant to be swallowed, but in most cases, they are digestible. Typically, they can navigate the entire digestive tract without causing any problems or health complications. Their size allows them to pass through the esophagus comfortably, and their edges are usually not sharp enough to cause harm as they traverse the digestive system.
In children, baby teeth naturally reabsorb and break down during their shedding process, making them smaller when they fall out. Consequently, they pose less risk to the digestive tract if accidentally ingested. Additionally, teeth are composed of natural minerals and do not trigger stomach discomfort.
What Happens if You Swallow a Tooth?
So, you (or someone you know) have accidentally swallowed a tooth. Regardless of whether it's an adult or a kid who swallowed a tooth, it's not a major concern.
Fortunately, there isn't much to anticipate after swallowing a tooth. Depending on its size and shape, it may cause mild discomfort as it passes through the throat. Once it reaches the stomach, it continues its journey through the digestive tract.
Within 2 to 4 hours, the tooth moves from the stomach to the small intestine and eventually reaches the large intestine, where the digestion process is completed. It typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the tooth to be expelled from the body through feces.
It is strongly advised against inducing vomiting, especially in children, as it can lead to discomfort. Similarly, taking laxatives is not recommended. Instead, it's best to allow the tooth to be naturally expelled through the digestive process.
What Happens If You Swallow a Broken Tooth?
Broken teeth present slightly more risk. The sharp edges of the teeth can cut and damage the digestive tract during transit. Most pieces of teeth are unlikely to cause any harm – usually, they become embedded in foodstuff and faeces as they pass through the digestive system.
However, on rare occasions, the broken tooth might lodge in the GI tract, causing a tear of some kind. You may experience discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing. Always seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms, and consult your dentist to address the broken tooth.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In most cases, swallowed teeth will pass through the digestive tract like regular food. However, there is a minuscule chance of the tooth taking a wrong turn and ending up in the airway. If this occurs, the tooth can become lodged in the tracheobronchial tree, a vital passage for air to enter the lungs. This can result in breathing difficulties, turning it into a medical emergency.
Certain symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention, including:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Neck pain
- Chest pain
- Persistent vomiting
These symptoms can occur if the tooth becomes stuck in its journey to the stomach or if its sharp edges injure the digestive tract. In such cases, doctors may employ an X-ray to locate the tooth or perform an endoscopy.
If you experience any breathing difficulties, get immediate medical attention. Choking or airway blockage is a medical emergency.
What Are the Odds of an Adult Swallowing a Tooth?
While children are more susceptible to swallowing teeth, adults are not entirely immune to this unlikely scenario. Severely decayed permanent teeth are more prone to fracturing during meals, leading to accidental ingestion. Additionally, severe periodontal disease can cause permanent teeth to loosen and fall out, which can also result in unintentional swallowing.
Then, there's sudden trauma to the teeth, which can cause them to become knocked out. This could be due to a sporting injury. Often, the event happens so quickly that people can unwittingly swallow the tooth in the process.
Fortunately, unlike baby teeth, permanent teeth are larger and less likely to cause harm while passing through the esophagus.
How to Prevent Swallowing a Tooth
There are measures to minimize the chances of accidentally swallowing a tooth:
For Children:
- Encourage the child to alert an adult when a tooth becomes loose. This allows for safe extraction assistance rather than letting it fall out unattended.
- Caution the child to be mindful while eating, as chewing on a loose tooth increases the risk of swallowing it.
For Adults:
- Consider wearing a mouthguard during sports activities to reduce the risk of tooth fractures or dislodgement from trauma.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum and teeth problems that could lead to tooth loss.
Other Scenarios
What Happens If You Swallow a Fake Tooth?
Okay, you can swallow a real tooth without too much issue. But what about a fake tooth? Is that something you should be worried about?
Well, as for a real tooth, there is a risk that the tooth becomes lodged in the airways. Unless you notice the sudden onset of difficulty breathing, then this isn't the case. The fake tooth will pass through your digestive tract as normal.
Most fake teeth are made from non-toxic materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, which won't break down in your digestive tract. However, some metal alloys can cause minor digestive irritability.
What Happens If You Swallow a Silver Tooth?
Silver teeth, such as a crown or filling, fall into a similar category to other dental appliances. That being said, there are a few considerations. Silver isn't usually pure when used in dental work; it's often an alloy of silver, tin, copper, and rarely mercury. In small quantities, these materials are fine to consume, even if they cause minor GI irritation.
Mercury, on the other hand, is a toxic metal. It's sensible to look for any symptoms of mercury poisoning in the days and weeks after swallowing the tooth. You shouldn't experience anything too severe as the quantities are extremely small.
What Happens If You Swallow a Crown Tooth?
Crowns are a small and smooth artificial part of a tooth. Sometimes – especially if you're eating hard and chewy foods, e.g., certain sweets – the crown can be pulled off. Most people won't notice any problems, as the crown passes through the GI tract without any issue.
However, occasionally, crowns can be larger, jagged, or sharp. In such cases, the crown might irritate or injure your digestive system, causing discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing. As for a broken tooth, always seek immediate medical attention.
What Happens If You Swallow a Tooth Cap?
Tooth caps, or dental crowns, are also not a cause for concern. The biggest issue – as with all these scenarios – is the shape and size of the toothcap. If it's smooth and small, the chances of any issues arising are miniscule. However, the larger and more jagged the tooth cap becomes, the greater the risk of it getting stuck or causing damage.
If you've swallowed a toothcap, it's important to "watch and wait." Unless you notice any symptoms, there's no need to take any action. Look for stomach pain, nausea, or changes in bowel movement. After a few days, the tooth cap should be excreted normally in your stool.
What Happens If You Swallow a Tooth Whitening Strip?
Tooth whitening strips are not designed to be swallowed. These strips contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to whiten the teeth. In small doses, neither of these chemicals is overly harmful. But, consuming large amounts can irritate the stomach and cause other symptoms.
Here's what to do:
- Rinse your mouth: If you've swallowed a strip, rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftover chemicals.
- Monitor for symptoms: If you experience stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting, contact a healthcare provider.
- Seek medical advice: If you're concerned or if a large portion of the strip is swallowed, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
In the majority of cases, the whitening strip will pass harmlessly through your digestive system. If you're concerned about any issues, speak to your healthcare provider for further information.
Conclusion
So, what happens if you swallow a tooth? The answer is it usually passes through your digestive system without any issue.
Accidentally swallowing a tooth is more common among children but can also happen to adults. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, this occurrence doesn't lead to health issues. Instead, the tooth typically passes through the digestive tract and is expelled through feces.
However, in rare instances, the tooth may become lodged in the airway or cause harm during its journey through the digestive system. If any concerning symptoms arise, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.