Winton Eliott
Swallowing a tooth is an uncommon occurrence, but it can happen.
If you swallow a tooth, the most important thing to do is stay calm and seek medical attention right away.
Knowing what to expect in the event that you have swallowed a tooth can help you stay prepared and know how best to respond.
This article will outline what happens if you swallow a tooth and how to best handle the situation.
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What happens if you accidentally swallow a tooth?
There are a few different scenarios that could occur if you accidentally swallow a tooth.
Impact on the digestive system
If a tooth is swallowed, it will usually pass through the digestive system without causing any harm.
Since a tooth is so small and hard, it is able to go through the digestive process without being affected.
However, if there are pieces of sharp enamel on the tooth when it’s swallowed, they can cause minor damage or blockages in the digestive system.
In this case, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
Potential risks of swallowing a tooth
Although the chances are slim, there are potential risks associated with swallowing a tooth.
Choking hazards
If a tooth is too large or becomes stuck in the throat, it can pose a choking hazard.
In this case, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
If you are able to reach a doctor or hospital quickly enough, they may be able to dislodge the object with a specialized tool.
If not, surgery may be required to remove the object from your throat.
Infection
If a person swallows an infected tooth, there is a small risk of infection.
If the enamel of the tooth is cracked or damaged, it can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
This could cause infections in different parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have swallowed an infected tooth.
Damage to organs
If a person swallows a tooth, there is also a risk of damage to the internal organs.
A swallowed tooth may become lodged in the stomach or intestines and cause a blockage.
This can lead to abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
The doctor may be able to remove the lodged object with specialized tools or surgery.
Pain and discomfort
If a person swallows a tooth, they may experience some pain or discomfort. This can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the object.
Pain may be felt in the throat, chest, abdomen or stomach area. If any pain is experienced after swallowing a tooth, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
How long does a swallowed tooth take to pass?
A swallowed tooth will usually take 1-3 days to pass through the digestive system.
However, if there is a blockage or other complication, it may take longer for the object to be expelled from the body.
If any pain or discomfort persists for more than a few days after swallowing a tooth, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
Will a tooth dissolve in your stomach?
No, a tooth will not dissolve in your stomach. The enamel on a tooth is very hard and resilient, so it will not break down in the digestive system.
A swallowed tooth will usually pass through the body without causing any harm.
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Conclusion
Swallowing a tooth can be an alarming experience, but it is important to stay calm and seek medical attention if necessary.
If a tooth is too large or becomes stuck in the throat, it can pose a choking hazard. It is also important to be aware of any infections that may have been caused by swallowing an infected tooth.
Lastly, it is important to remember that a swallowed tooth will usually pass through the digestive system without causing any harm.
If there are any signs of complication, it would be important to seek medical attention right away.
