Swallowing a tooth might seem alarming, but in most cases, it’s not dangerous. Whether you accidentally swallow a baby tooth, a broken tooth, or even a dental crown, your body is designed to handle small foreign objects. However, there are situations where swallowing a tooth could lead to potential risks.
If you or your child has swallowed a tooth, this guide will help you understand:
✔ What happens when you swallow a tooth
✔ How long it takes to pass through your body
✔ Possible risks and when to seek medical help
✔ What to do if a child swallows a tooth
Also Read: How to Fix a Cracked Tooth Naturally
What Happens When You Swallow a Tooth?
Most of the time, a swallowed tooth passes naturally through your digestive system without causing harm. The body treats it like an indigestible object, similar to a small bone in food. The tooth moves through the stomach and intestines and eventually comes out in your stool within 24 to 48 hours.
Does the Stomach Digest a Swallowed Tooth?
No, the stomach cannot digest a tooth because teeth are made of calcium, enamel, and dentin, which are resistant to stomach acid. The tooth will travel through the digestive tract unchanged.
🚨 Important: If the swallowed tooth has sharp edges, it could scratch or irritate the digestive tract, causing discomfort.
Is Swallowing a Tooth Dangerous?
Swallowing a tooth is usually harmless, but certain factors can increase the risk of complications:
1. Size and Shape of the Tooth
✔ Small and smooth teeth (such as baby teeth) usually pass easily.
✔ Sharp or jagged teeth may cause scratches or minor bleeding in the digestive tract.
2. Swallowing a Tooth with Braces or Dental Work
✔ If you swallow a tooth with a crown, filling, or wire attached, there is a higher risk of irritation or blockage.
✔ Dental hardware like braces brackets or retainers could pose a choking hazard if accidentally swallowed.
3. Choking Hazard (If the Tooth Gets Stuck in the Throat)
✔ If the tooth is inhaled instead of swallowed, it could get lodged in the airway, causing breathing difficulty.
✔ Symptoms of choking include coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
🚨 When to Seek Medical Help:
If you experience severe pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or signs of intestinal blockage (such as no bowel movements for 48+ hours), see a doctor immediately.
Also Read: Why Are My Teeth Cracking All of a Sudden?
How Long Does It Take to Pass a Swallowed Tooth?
Most swallowed teeth pass naturally within 1 to 3 days.
✔ If you are concerned, you can monitor your stool to confirm the tooth has passed.
✔ Eating a fiber-rich diet (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help digestion and move the tooth through faster.
What to Do If a Child Swallows a Tooth?
If a toddler or child swallows a tooth, don’t panic! Baby teeth are small and typically pass through safely.
Steps to Take:
✔ Stay calm – In most cases, it’s not harmful.
✔ Ask if they feel any pain – If they complain of a sore throat, stomach pain, or breathing trouble, seek medical help.
✔ Watch for symptoms – Look out for vomiting, choking, or signs of blockage.
✔ Monitor their stool – The tooth should pass within a few days.
🚨 When to See a Doctor for a Child:
If your child experiences persistent stomach pain, blood in stool, or difficulty swallowing, consult a pediatrician.
What If You Swallow a Broken Tooth or a Dental Crown?
Swallowing a broken tooth, chipped tooth, or dental crown is slightly different from swallowing a whole tooth.
✔ Dental crowns and fillings are made of metal, porcelain, or resin, which are safe to pass but may irritate the digestive tract.
✔ If a broken tooth has sharp edges, it could scratch the esophagus or intestines, leading to mild bleeding.
✔ Monitor for pain – If you feel discomfort in your throat or stomach, seek medical attention.
🚨 Tip: If you swallow a crown or dental filling, contact your dentist to replace it as soon as possible.
Also Read: When Can I Use a Straw After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Can Swallowing a Tooth Kill You?
The short answer is no, in most cases. The human body can process small objects, and a swallowed tooth typically passes without issues. However, in rare cases, complications can arise:
✔ Choking hazard – If a tooth gets stuck in the throat, it can block airflow.
✔ Sharp edges – If the tooth is jagged, it could cause internal damage.
✔ Intestinal obstruction – If a swallowed tooth doesn’t pass within a few days, it might be stuck.
🚨 If you experience severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing trouble, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
FAQs: What Happens If You Swallow a Tooth?
Final Thoughts: Should You Be Worried About Swallowing a Tooth?
✔ In most cases, swallowing a tooth is not dangerous, and it will pass naturally within 24-48 hours.
✔ If the tooth has sharp edges, there is a slight risk of irritation in the digestive tract.
✔ Monitor for symptoms such as pain, choking, or intestinal blockage, and seek medical help if needed.
✔ If a child swallows a tooth, watch for signs of discomfort but don’t panic—it will likely pass safely.
💡 Key Takeaway: If you accidentally swallow a tooth, stay calm, monitor your symptoms, and seek help if you experience severe pain or difficulty breathing.
Disclaimer: The content on Wellness Derive is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical concerns.
