If you swallow a tooth, in most cases, it will pass through your digestive system without causing any harm. Teeth are generally small enough to travel through the esophagus and digestive tract safely, and their edges are usually not sharp enough to injure the lining of the digestive system. The tooth typically moves from the stomach to the intestines within a few hours and is expelled naturally in the feces within 24 to 48 hours
. However, there are some rare risks and complications to be aware of:
- A broken tooth with sharp edges might irritate or cut the digestive tract, potentially causing discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing
- In very rare cases, the tooth could become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to injury or obstruction
- There is a small chance the tooth could accidentally enter the airway (tracheobronchial tree), which is a medical emergency causing breathing difficulties
- Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include neck or chest pain, trouble swallowing, recurring vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, drooling, or blood in vomit or stool
If no symptoms occur, no treatment is usually needed, and inducing vomiting or taking laxatives is not recommended. Instead, allow the tooth to pass naturally
. In summary, swallowing a tooth is usually harmless and the tooth passes through the digestive system naturally within a couple of days, but watch for symptoms that might indicate complications and seek medical care if they arise
