Swallowing a tooth can be an unsettling experience, particularly for parents or individuals who accidentally ingest one. The immediate concern about potential harm is a natural reaction to such an event. Despite these worries, a swallowed tooth rarely leads to serious complications, and fatalities are exceedingly uncommon. The human body is remarkably adept at processing various ingested items, and a tooth typically passes through the digestive system without incident.
What Happens After Swallowing a Tooth
When a tooth is swallowed, it first travels down the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. The esophagus uses rhythmic contractions, a process known as peristalsis, to move food and other swallowed objects downward. Once it reaches the stomach, the tooth encounters gastric acids, which begin to break down any organic material attached to the tooth, although the tooth’s enamel is highly resistant to this acidic environment.
From the stomach, the tooth then progresses into the small intestine, a coiled tube approximately 20 feet long in an adult, where nutrient absorption typically occurs. The small intestine continues the process of peristalsis, guiding the tooth along its path. Finally, the tooth moves into the large intestine, where water is absorbed, and waste material is prepared for excretion.
Teeth are generally small and possess relatively smooth surfaces, which allows them to navigate the digestive tract without causing damage. The average adult tooth measures between 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters in length. The digestive tract’s internal lining is also designed to be resilient and flexible, further aiding in the safe transit of small, foreign objects. While the journey can take anywhere from a few days to over a week, the tooth usually exits the body naturally with other waste.
In exceptionally rare circumstances, a swallowed tooth might pose a risk. If the tooth is inhaled into the airway instead of being swallowed, it can lead to choking or aspiration into the lungs, which is an immediate breathing emergency. Another theoretical, but highly uncommon, risk involves the tooth becoming lodged within a narrow or compromised section of the digestive tract, potentially causing an obstruction or localized irritation.
When Medical Help is Needed
While most swallowed teeth pass without issue, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. If, after swallowing a tooth, an individual experiences persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, these signs could indicate that the tooth entered the airway rather than the digestive tract. An inhaled object can obstruct airflow and requires urgent assessment.
Other concerning symptoms that suggest a potential complication within the digestive system include severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or the presence of blood in vomit or stool. A fever accompanied by these digestive symptoms could also signal an infection or a significant obstruction.
Seeking medical advice is prudent if any of these unusual symptoms develop following the ingestion of a tooth. A healthcare professional can assess the situation and recommend appropriate steps. In most cases, however, a swallowed tooth will pass uneventfully.