Oh no! Did a little tooth unexpectedly fall through the hatch? You’re not alone! It is a common occurrence, especially after a dental accident or with wobbly infant teeth. But what happens when you swallow your tooth? It may surprise you, but your body is generally prepared to deal with this little incident. Let’s discuss this issue in detail!
Is Swallowing a Tooth Dangerous?
You can rest assured that our bodies are often capable of handling situations where a tooth falls out of the socket. Teeth usually pass through the digestive tract without any problems because of their tiny size. As they pass out, you may relax knowing that their edges are usually not sharp enough to endanger the fragile lining of your intestines or esophagus.
Even better for baby teeth! They usually always pass through without any problems since their roots are tiny and disintegrate.
What Happens to the Swallowed Tooth?
When you swallow your tooth, you may notice it as it passes down your throat for a moment. After that, it travels through your digestive system in a straightforward manner. After passing through your stomach, it will proceed to your small intestine and, eventually, at the end of the digestion process, your large intestine.
- Digestion: Since teeth are mostly composed of calcium, they are often broken down by stomach acids or easily passed via the digestive tract.
- Size Matters: Baby teeth are small and smooth, making it unlikely they’ll get stuck. Adult teeth are slightly larger, but the same generally applies.
The average time to complete this crossing is 24 to 48 hours. Therefore, the wisest course of action is to just let nature take its course. Although it might be uncomfortable, it is usually not necessary to induce vomiting, especially in youngsters. In a similar vein, laxatives are not advised because your body is capable of doing this on its own.
How Can You Prevent Your Child from Swallowing a Tooth?
Your child may swallow a tooth accidentally, particularly when they’re sleeping with a really wiggly tooth. However, you can use the following tips to prevent them from swallowing a tooth:
- Eating with Mindfulness: Gently advise them to chew more slowly and pay attention to any loose teeth so they don’t inadvertently swallow them with their meal.
- Talk to Them: Communicate openly with your child by explaining what having a wobbly tooth signifies and why it’s better to avoid swallowing it. Describe how the tooth must fall out in order for the new one to erupt.
- Take Them to a Pediatric Dentist: It might be wise to make an appointment with their pediatric dentist if a tooth has been trembling for some time and you’re worried about it becoming swallowed. They can evaluate the circumstances, provide guidance, and, if required, assist with the extraction.
Summing Up!
Swallowing teeth is a common occurrence for children who are losing their baby teeth. It may seem frightening, but your swallowed tooth passes directly to the digestive system without causing any problems. However, educating your children about wobbly teeth and how to take care of them is important.
Consult our dentist at Integrity Dental of Troy about your or your child’s oral health. Call us at (586) 977-0300, and we will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come!