Tooth swallowing is a common occurrence and most people don’t even realize it unless they have a complaint about something stuck in their throat. When teeth are swallowed, the risk of a medical emergency increases because the tooth and surrounding tissues can become trapped in the throat. Swallowing can also cause injuries to other organs in the digestive system, such as the intestine, stomach, or liver.
When can you swallow a tooth?
You can swallow a tooth after losing it. When you swallow a piece of food, it passes through the esophagus and goes down into the stomach.
Symptoms of Swallowing a Tooth
You can swallow one of your teeth without much consequence, but if it becomes lodged in your throat, it can cause pain, bleeding, or bruising. Sometimes, swallowing a tooth causes a bone fracture.
You can prevent all of these effects by having a tooth extracted by a dentist..
After swallowing a tooth…
Swallowing a tooth can be dangerous, as it can travel down your throat and into your stomach. Swallowed teeth can also block food from passing through your intestines, which can lead to serious health problems. If you swallow a tooth, seek medical attention immediately.
The swallowed tooth can cause severe pain and even death. To prevent this, tell a dentist before you go to the emergency room. The dentist will remove the tooth and place it in a container so that it won’t accidentally be swallowed. If you are admitted to the hospital, they will x–ray your mouth and stomach to make sure no teeth or other foreign objects have been swallowed.
What is the best way to prevent swallowing a tooth?
A tooth should always be kept in the mouth and only chewed or cracked when it is in good condition. Eating foods with hard or soft portions is harmful. This could lead to damage in the jawbone.
How to extract a tooth if swallowed
If a tooth has been swallowed, it should be removed as soon as possible by calling your doctor or going to the emergency room immediately. Even though a child is much smaller than an adult and will pass a small tooth without any discomfort, an adult can experience severe pain after swallowing a tooth. The tooth can cause damage to the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, possibly leading to death.
There are several ways to get your tooth out: a doctor can remove it surgically; an x-ray machine can detect the presence of a root tip or a piece of bone on the edge of the crown (the top part of the tooth); or a dentist can use a vacuum to suck the tooth up through your throat.
Lastly, while swallowing a tooth may seem like a relatively harmless action, it can actually lead to some serious health complications. If you swallow a tooth, be sure to seek medical attention right away to avoid any potential health risks.
