It can be unsettling to accidentally swallow a tooth, whether it’s a child’s lost baby tooth or a fragment from an adult tooth. This often triggers concern about health risks. While certainly alarming, a swallowed tooth typically passes through the digestive system without complication. Understanding its journey and recognizing potential problem signs is important.
The Tooth’s Path Through the Body
Once swallowed, a tooth embarks on a journey through the gastrointestinal tract. It first travels down the esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. From there, it enters the stomach, where digestive acids and enzymes are present, though these do not break down the tooth’s hard mineral composition. The tooth then moves into the small intestine, followed by the large intestine.
The body’s natural digestive processes, including peristalsis, facilitate this movement. Peristalsis involves wave-like muscle contractions that propel contents through the digestive tract. Because a tooth is an inert object, meaning it does not react with bodily fluids or dissolve, it is usually eliminated from the body naturally. In most cases, a swallowed tooth will pass in the stool within a few days, typically ranging from 24 hours to a week.
Signs of a Problem
While most swallowed teeth pass uneventfully, rare instances of complications can arise. The initial act of swallowing can pose a choking hazard if the tooth enters the windpipe instead of the esophagus. However, once a tooth has entered the digestive tract, the primary concern shifts to potential obstruction or irritation.
A tooth, especially a larger adult tooth or a sharp fragment, could become lodged in a narrow part of the digestive system. Symptoms indicating a possible issue include severe abdominal pain that is persistent or worsening, often accompanied by cramping. Other concerning signs are repeated episodes of vomiting, particularly if the vomit contains blood, or blood appearing in the stool, which might look bright red or black and tarry. Severe constipation, a fever, or difficulty passing gas could also suggest an obstruction. Baby teeth, being smaller and smoother, pose less risk than larger, potentially jagged adult tooth fragments.
Any of these severe symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seeking urgent care or visiting an emergency room is necessary if such signs develop after swallowing a tooth. Early detection and intervention are important to manage any rare complications.
Next Steps After Swallowing a Tooth
After swallowing a tooth, monitoring is the primary course of action. It is helpful to observe bowel movements over the next few days for the passage of the tooth. Most often, the tooth will be expelled within 24 hours to a week.
To assist with the tooth’s passage and maintain digestive regularity, incorporating a diet rich in fiber and ensuring adequate fluid intake is beneficial. Fiber adds bulk to stool, which can aid in moving ingested items through the intestines, while fluids help keep the digestive system functioning smoothly. Beyond dietary adjustments, paying attention to overall well-being is important. This includes noting any changes in appetite, energy levels, or the onset of new mild, persistent discomfort.
If the tooth has not passed after one to two weeks, or if mild but persistent symptoms like minor abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits arise, contacting a doctor or dentist for advice is appropriate. This follow-up is for non-emergency situations where a professional assessment can be provided. Regardless of whether the swallowed tooth passes, it is also important to address the missing tooth with a dentist to discuss replacement options or further dental care.