Accidentally swallowing a tooth or fragment is common, especially for children. While concerning, the human body is generally well-equipped to handle this. Understanding the tooth’s journey through the digestive system can alleviate worries and clarify when medical attention is necessary.
The Initial Path
Upon swallowing, a tooth enters the esophagus, the muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Peristalsis, the body’s natural reflex, propels items downwards. While a foreign object in the throat can be alarming, a tooth rarely gets stuck in the airway. The epiglottis, a cartilage flap, typically covers the windpipe during swallowing, directing objects into the esophagus.
After the esophagus, the tooth reaches the stomach. The stomach’s strong acids and churning motions begin breaking down food. However, teeth are highly mineralized structures, primarily composed of calcium, making them resistant to complete digestion by stomach acids alone.
Through the Digestive System
From the stomach, the tooth continues into the small intestine, a long, coiled tube where most nutrient absorption occurs. Being non-digestible, the tooth passes through this section largely unchanged. It then moves into the large intestine, where water is absorbed and waste material is prepared for excretion. The entire passage through the digestive tract can take between 24 to 48 hours, sometimes up to several days or a week.
The type of tooth swallowed can influence its passage. Baby teeth are smaller, have thinner enamel, and often have reabsorbed roots, making them smoother and less likely to cause issues. Adult teeth or larger fragments still pass without incident, but might pose a slightly higher risk due to their larger size, thicker enamel, and potentially sharper edges if fractured. Ultimately, the tooth or fragment will be excreted in the feces.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most swallowed teeth pass without complications, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. If, immediately after swallowing, persistent coughing, gagging, wheezing, or difficulty breathing occurs, it could indicate the tooth has entered the airway, requiring immediate emergency care.
Once the tooth is in the digestive tract, watch for signs of discomfort or obstruction. These include persistent abdominal pain, recurring vomiting, difficulty swallowing, chest or neck pain, or blood in vomit or stool. If these symptoms occur, or if the tooth does not pass within a few days to a week, consult a healthcare professional. Doctors may use imaging like X-rays to locate the tooth and determine if intervention is needed.