Toothpaste is a common product used daily for oral hygiene, designed to clean teeth and promote a healthy mouth. While widely used, toothpaste is intended for external application and expectoration, not for consumption. Understanding its components and the effects of accidental ingestion can help individuals manage such situations.
Common Toothpaste Ingredients and Their Role
Toothpaste formulations typically include a range of ingredients that contribute to its cleaning and protective properties. Fluoride, often in forms like sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate, is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid attacks.
Abrasives, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, or silica gels, are tiny particles that physically remove food particles, plaque, and surface stains from teeth without causing damage to the enamel. Detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are included to create foam during brushing, which helps distribute the toothpaste throughout the mouth and aids in the removal of debris.
Flavoring agents, often mint-based or other sweet flavors from ingredients like sorbitol or xylitol, are added to improve the taste and encourage regular brushing habits. Humectants, such as glycerol or sorbitol, prevent the toothpaste from drying out, maintaining its texture. While these ingredients are safe in the small amounts used for brushing, larger quantities can pose concerns.
Immediate Effects of Ingestion
Ingesting toothpaste, particularly in larger amounts, can lead to various immediate effects, primarily due to its active ingredients. A small, unintentional swallow during brushing usually results in minor gastrointestinal upset. This can manifest as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The detergent components, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, can irritate the stomach lining, contributing to these symptoms.
Consuming a larger quantity, such as a whole tube, can lead to more pronounced symptoms, especially if the toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride toxicity can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a salty or soapy taste in the mouth. In severe cases of fluoride ingestion, symptoms can progress to drooling, tremors, weakness, and potentially even convulsions or an irregular heartbeat. Artificial sweeteners present in toothpaste can also have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities.
When to Seek Help and What to Do
If someone has ingested toothpaste, especially a large amount or if they are a child, it is prudent to seek guidance. For any concerns about toothpaste ingestion, particularly if symptoms develop or a significant quantity has been swallowed, contact the Poison Control Center immediately. The national toll-free Poison Help hotline, 1-800-222-1222, is available 24/7 for expert advice.
Before professional medical help arrives or while on the phone with Poison Control, there are initial steps to take. If the person is conscious and not exhibiting symptoms like vomiting or decreased alertness, they should rinse their mouth thoroughly with water. Giving water or milk to drink can help dilute the ingested toothpaste and, in the case of milk, calcium can help bind with fluoride to reduce its absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by Poison Control or a healthcare professional. If severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, convulsions, or signs of shock occur, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary.
Safe Toothpaste Storage and Use
Preventing accidental ingestion of toothpaste involves proper storage and mindful usage practices. Toothpaste tubes should always be stored out of reach of young children, ideally in a childproofed cabinet or drawer.
Regarding usage, the amount of toothpaste applied to a brush is important for both effectiveness and safety. For adults and children aged 3 and older, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is generally recommended. For children under 3 years old, only a smear of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice, is needed. Supervising young children during brushing helps ensure they use the correct amount and learn to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.