What Happens if You Swallow a Tooth

Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and one such odd incident is Swallow a Tooth. This can occur for a variety of reasons: a child losing a baby tooth while eating, a dental procedure gone awry, or even a mishap with a loose crown or filling. Though it might sound alarming, in most cases, swallowing a tooth isn’t dangerous. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind, especially depending on the size of the tooth, the age of the person involved, and any underlying health conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about swallowing a tooth, including potential risks, what happens to the tooth after it’s swallowed, when to seek medical attention, and how to prevent such accidents.

Can You Actually Swallow a Tooth?

Yes, swallowing a tooth is possible, especially in situations where a loose tooth is dislodged unexpectedly, such as during eating or while asleep. Both children and adults may face the risk of swallowing a tooth. Children, particularly those losing their baby teeth, are more prone to this due to their active lifestyles and the nature of loose teeth during childhood. Adults, on the other hand, may accidentally swallow teeth, crowns, or dental work like fillings, particularly if the tooth or object becomes dislodged while chewing.

Is Swallowing a Tooth Dangerous?

In most cases, swallowing a tooth is not a serious health concern. Teeth are typically small enough that they can pass through the digestive system without causing any harm. The body treats the swallowed tooth like it would any other small, indigestible object. It is generally moved along the digestive tract and eventually expelled during a bowel movement.

Potential Risks

While most teeth are harmlessly passed, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Choking Hazard: This is the most immediate danger when swallowing a tooth. If the tooth lodges in the throat or airway, it can block breathing, which is a medical emergency. However, this is more common with larger teeth, dental work, or if the tooth is accidentally inhaled rather than swallowed.
• Sharp Edges: Some teeth or dental work can have sharp or jagged edges, which could potentially cause minor scrapes or cuts to the digestive tract. Though the digestive system is remarkably resilient, a sharp object could cause discomfort or even internal injury in rare cases.
• Blockage: Though highly unlikely, a larger tooth or dental work could potentially cause a blockage in the intestines, especially in people with pre-existing digestive issues or young children with smaller digestive tracts.

What Happens After You Swallow a Tooth?

Once a tooth is swallowed, it follows the same path as any other small object that can’t be digested. The journey of the tooth through your body is relatively straightforward.

• Esophagus: After being swallowed, the tooth travels down the esophagus into the stomach. In most cases, the esophagus is large enough to accommodate small objects without difficulty.
• Stomach: In the stomach, stomach acids will begin to break down anything that’s digestible. However, teeth are not digestible, meaning the tooth will pass through the stomach without being altered.
• Intestines: The tooth will then pass from the stomach into the intestines, where it will continue to move along the digestive tract, eventually making its way to the colon.
• Excretion: Finally, the tooth is excreted in a bowel movement, typically within 24-48 hours. The process is usually painless, and most people don’t even realize when the tooth has passed.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While swallowing a tooth is usually harmless, there are a few instances where medical attention may be necessary. These include:

• Choking: If the tooth causes choking or becomes lodged in the airway, it is vital to seek emergency medical care immediately. Choking is a life-threatening situation that requires quick intervention.
• Pain or Discomfort: If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or a feeling of something being stuck in your throat or chest, it’s important to consult a doctor. This could indicate that the tooth has become lodged somewhere along the digestive tract.
• Blood in Stool: Though rare, if the tooth causes internal injury, you may notice blood in your stool. This should not be ignored, and a healthcare provider should be consulted immediately.
• Abdominal Pain: Severe or prolonged abdominal pain could suggest a blockage or injury caused by the tooth. This is rare but possible if the tooth is large or has sharp edges.
• Not Passing the Tooth: If the tooth doesn’t pass within a few days, it may have become lodged in the digestive system. In this case, medical advice is necessary to determine whether any intervention is required.

What to Do After Swallowing a Tooth

If you or someone you know swallows a tooth, here’s what to do:

• Stay Calm: In most cases, swallowing a tooth is not dangerous. Panic will only make the situation worse, especially if the person involved is a child.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any potential symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, pain, or discomfort. If the person appears to be choking or having difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
• Check Stools: If you’re concerned about the tooth passing, you can monitor your bowel movements over the next 48 hours to see if the tooth is excreted. However, if you don’t notice the tooth passing, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s an issue; the tooth could have passed without you realizing it.

Common Scenarios of Swallowing a Tooth

Children Swallowing Baby Teeth

It’s common for children to accidentally swallow baby teeth, especially during meals or while playing. Baby teeth are small and smooth, which makes them less likely to cause harm. Parents often worry when this happens, but in most cases, the tooth will pass through the child’s system without any problems. It’s important to reassure your child and watch for signs of discomfort or difficulty breathing.

Swallowing a Crown or Dental Work

Adults are more likely to swallow a crown, bridge, or other dental work than an actual tooth. Crowns are often secured with adhesive, but if they become loose, they can be accidentally swallowed. These objects are usually designed with smooth edges, reducing the likelihood of injury. Like teeth, they will often pass through the system within a few days. If the crown is expensive or critical to your dental health, you may want to recover it after it passes.

Dentures and Swallowed Dental Appliances

In rare cases, people with dentures or other dental appliances may accidentally swallow part of their device. Dentures are larger than individual teeth and may pose a greater risk of choking or intestinal blockage. If you swallow part of a denture, seek medical attention promptly, as it may require removal.

Preventing Tooth Swallowing

While you can’t always prevent an accident, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of swallowing a tooth or dental appliance:

• Loose Teeth: If your child has a loose tooth, encourage them to avoid biting hard foods until it falls out naturally or can be pulled out safely.
• Dental Care: Ensure dental crowns, fillings, and other dental work are securely fitted by attending regular dental checkups. If you notice any looseness, visit your dentist for repairs before the issue worsens.
• Eating with Caution: Be mindful when eating with loose teeth or dental work. Avoid particularly hard or sticky foods that may dislodge a tooth.

Conclusion

Swallowing a tooth, while unsettling, is usually not a cause for major concern. Most teeth pass through the digestive system without causing harm. However, it’s essential to monitor for any potential symptoms like choking, pain, or discomfort. In rare cases where complications arise, seeking prompt medical attention can prevent serious issues. With proper awareness and care, such accidents can be managed safely and with minimal stress.

In most cases, if you or your child swallows a tooth, staying calm and monitoring the situation is the best course of action. If in doubt, consult a healthcare professional to ensure peace of mind and to rule out any potential risks.