Accidental ingestion of toothpaste, particularly by young children, is a common concern. While swallowing a small amount during regular brushing is typically harmless, ingesting a larger quantity can lead to adverse health effects. The risk level depends heavily on the type of toothpaste and the amount consumed relative to body weight. This guide explains the potential hazards and necessary steps to take following an accidental swallow.
Primary Ingredients That Cause Toxicity
The primary substance of concern in most conventional adult toothpastes is fluoride (e.g., sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride). When swallowed in significant amounts, fluoride reacts with stomach acid to form hydrofluoric acid, causing immediate irritation to the gastrointestinal lining. Once absorbed, the fluoride ion can bind to calcium and magnesium, potentially leading to an electrolyte imbalance.
Training toothpastes for young children have a significantly lower concentration of fluoride, reducing the toxicity risk. However, other components in both adult and children’s toothpaste can also cause reactions. Detergent agents, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), can irritate the stomach and contribute to gastrointestinal upset. Artificial sweeteners, like sorbitol, can also have a mild laxative effect if a large volume is consumed.
Recognizing Symptoms of Ingestion
The earliest and most common effects following ingestion are typically confined to the digestive system. Mild to moderate symptoms usually begin within minutes of swallowing the toothpaste and include nausea, stomach cramping, and vomiting. This gastrointestinal distress is caused by irritants and the formation of hydrofluoric acid in the stomach.
If a large amount of fluoride is ingested, or if the individual is small, more serious systemic symptoms can occur. These signs relate to fluoride ions interfering with the body’s chemistry after absorption. Observable effects may include muscle weakness, tremors, and excessive salivation or drooling. In severe cases of acute fluoride toxicity, symptoms can escalate to include a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, and convulsions.
Immediate First Aid Response
If a small amount of non-fluoridated or standard over-the-counter toothpaste was swallowed, encourage the person to thoroughly rinse their mouth multiple times with water, ensuring they spit out the rinse water. Offer small amounts of water or milk to drink.
Milk is helpful because the calcium it contains can bind to the fluoride in the stomach, slowing its absorption. Continuously monitor the person for the next hour or two for developing symptoms like persistent vomiting or stomach pain. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional or Poison Control.
Determining When Emergency Medical Care is Needed
The decision to seek professional medical help depends on the estimated amount ingested, the type of toothpaste, and the severity of the reaction. Contacting a medical expert is necessary if the person swallowed more than a pea-sized amount of adult-strength fluoridated toothpaste, or any amount of prescription-strength paste. Children are more susceptible to toxicity due to their smaller body mass.
Immediately call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. When calling, be prepared to state the person’s age and weight, the name of the product ingested, and the estimated amount and time of ingestion. Severe symptoms, such as persistent vomiting, lethargy, muscle spasms, or any change in heart rhythm, require an immediate call to emergency services (911).