What Happens If You Swallow a Tooth?
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin, DDS
Reading time: four minutes.
It might sound alarming, but kids swallow baby teeth more often than you’d think, especially when they come out during meals, sleep, or rough play. While it can catch parents off guard, most swallowed teeth pass through the body without any trouble.
In this blog, we explain what happens when a child swallows a tooth, signs to keep an eye on, and when it’s time to call your pediatric dentist.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If your child swallows a baby tooth, it will usually pass through their system naturally within a few days. Watch for any signs of discomfort, and contact your dental professionals if anything seems off.
Swallowed a Tooth? Here’s What Usually Happens
If your child swallows a baby tooth, try not to panic. It’s surprisingly common, especially if the tooth comes loose during eating, sleeping, or playing. In most cases, the tooth travels through the digestive system without causing any problems.
Here’s what typically happens:
- The tooth is swallowed and moves down the esophagus into the stomach.
- From there, it continues through the intestines just like any other small object.
- Within a day or two, it passes naturally in your child’s stool.
The body doesn’t digest teeth, but that’s not an issue. Baby teeth are small, smooth, and hard, which makes them easy to pass without damage to the digestive tract. Even if your child accidentally swallows a dental crown or other artificial tooth, the process is usually the same.
Though complications are rare, keep an eye out for:
- Stomach pain or stomach discomfort that does not go away
- Vomiting, gagging, or abdominal pain
- Blood in stool or signs of gastrointestinal issues
- Difficulty swallowing (if you suspect the tooth is stuck in the throat)
- Choking or sudden neck pain, chest pain, or mild discomfort
Watch closely for unusual symptoms and contact a healthcare professional for guidance if needed.
What If a Permanent Tooth Was Swallowed?
Swallowing a permanent tooth is a different situation and should be taken more seriously, especially if it happened because of a fall, sports injury, or other trauma.
Even if the tooth can’t be recovered, the main concern is the injury that caused it to come out in the first place. A permanent tooth doesn’t just fall out on its own, so the gums, jaw, or surrounding teeth may need immediate attention. Damage to the soft tissues can increase the risk of infection or complications if left untreated.
Your child’s dentist can assess the injury, manage any bleeding or discomfort, and talk through next steps for replacing the missing tooth. Permanent teeth are important for long-term function, bite alignment, and future options like dental implants or space maintainers, so early intervention matters.
If your child has lost or swallowed a permanent tooth, contact your pediatric dentist right away.
When to See a Pediatric Dentist
In most cases, swallowing a baby tooth doesn’t require a trip to the dentist. But you should schedule a follow-up if:
- Your child swallowed a permanent tooth or artificial tooth
- The tooth came out due to injury or was already damaged or decayed
- There is pain, bleeding, or visible injury to the gums
Your child feels anxious or keeps mentioning discomfort
At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry, we are here to make sure everything is healing properly. Our team will gently examine your child’s mouth, check for any soft tissue injuries, and talk through any needed care. We will also take the time to answer questions, calm any fears, and if the missing tooth can’t be recovered, we are happy to write a special note for the Tooth Fairy.
Book a Visit at Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney
If your child has swallowed a tooth or lost one due to an injury, our team is here to help. At Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, we provide gentle, expert care to make sure everything is healing as it should.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or visit us at 5323 W University Dr #100, McKinney, Texas.
Want more tips on caring for your child’s smile? Explore our blog for helpful advice and answers to common dental questions.
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