How to Remove a Swallowed Tooth

Medically reviewed by Shayne Guffey, DMD

Last Updated: March 9, 2024

As unlikely as it may seem, there may come a time when you’ve noticed a loose tooth, and while eating dinner one evening, before you realize it, it’s come out- and you’ve swallowed it right down with a bite of broccoli. Well, of course, it’s got to come out, and you may want to retrieve it to make sure it has (especially if you really, really want to put it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy).

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Waiting and Watching

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1
Know when to see a doctor. Most small swallowed items, such as teeth, will easily pass through the digestive tract along with food because they are the size of a pill and too small to cause any blockage— also, they're usually digestible and not a concern for most adults. However, it is possible that the tooth will become stuck somewhere in the digestive system and require medical attention. Small children, especially those who are losing their baby teeth, should be monitored closely in case of choking. Go to a doctor if:
- The tooth has not passed within 7 days.
- Vomiting occurs, especially with blood present.
- Symptoms such as pain in the belly or chest develop, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
- You have blood in the stools, especially black or tarry blood.^{[1]
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It will probably take about 12 to 14 hours for the tooth to pass.^{[2]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} However, don’t be surprised if it shows up sooner, or later, than within those parameters.

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Nothing moves through your body quickly. You need to pass it through your digestive system and the more relaxed you are, the faster it will move along through your stomach, intestines, and colon.
Corn kernels can stay largely intact as they pass through the bowels. When you start seeing corn in your stool, you’ll know it’s time to look for the tooth.^{[3]
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These foods can help items move along through the digestive tract. ^{[4]
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Keep hydrated and close to a toilet. If recommended by a doctor, you may consider using a laxative to aid in the recovery of the tooth. Make sure to take the right amount of the laxative to avoid overdosing. Overuse of laxatives can have serious effects and lead to dependency, loss of bone density, and a host of other problems causing dehydration followed by an increased heart rate and low blood pressure.^{[5]
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- When your stool is fairly loose and/or watery (because of the laxative), place a screen on the toilet to catch the tooth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Retrieving Swallowed Dentures

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Dentures are the second most often object accidentally swallowed, second only to fish and other food-ingested bones.^{[6]
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Research source} Swallowed dentures can present some complications that may not be present with teeth.
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Be especially aware of your dentures. Unfortunately, dentures or crowns that have come loose are less likely to be noticed by patients, and the lack of early recognition can present more serious health issues.
- The nature of dental prostheses' design and the materials used can be more harmful to the digestive tract and organs, as well as being more likely than teeth to become stuck.^{[7]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source} They are made out of metal, ceramic, or plastic and none of these materials is biocompatible and they can harm the digestive tissue.
- If you wear dentures, check often to be sure they are intact. Do not sleep wearing your dentures.^{[8]
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  Research source} Partial dentures have metal wires that can break after a while. Make sure that you check your dentures often to see if they are intact or otherwise you may swallow a part of them while you are eating.
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See a doctor for lost dentures. If you suspect that you’ve accidentally swallowed a denture, it’s best to see a doctor, especially if you’ve experienced any of the pain symptoms mentioned above in regards to teeth.
- Often the physician will recommend waiting and watching at first, but may also order an X-ray to determine the size, shape, and location of the dental prosthesis. It’s possible that the denture will pass easily through your digestive system. If this is the case, follow the same procedures as with a tooth.
- When you’ve recovered the denture, clean and disinfect it. This can be done by soaking it in a 1:10 solution of household bleach and water. ^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Regurgitating

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Inducing vomiting is not recommended unless recommended by a doctor. Vomiting after swallowing a foreign object could cause you to aspirate (inhale) the tooth into your lungs. ^{[10]
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Research source} If given the OK by a doctor, vomiting can remove the tooth from the stomach.
In order to retrieve the tooth, you’ll want to use a container or a sink with the drain closed. As unpleasant as it may sound, try to throw up into a colander that will catch the tooth and allow the watery content to run through, so you can avoid having to search through vomit for a tooth- which may just cause you to throw up more.
The most common way to induce vomiting is to stick one or two fingers into the back of your throat. Tickle the far back of your throat until your gag reflex causes you to vomit.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Going to a Doctor

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In some cases, the tooth may not have passed, or you may be experiencing one of the above-mentioned symptoms. When one of these things occurs, it may be time to see a doctor.
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Prepare for your appointment. Having as much information as possible ready for the doctor will make the process easier and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. ^{[11]
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Research source} Have the following information ready:
- How large is the tooth? Is it a molar? An incisor? Is the tooth whole or is it broken into pieces?
- What home remedies have you already tried?
- What symptoms are you experiencing, i.e. pain, nausea, vomiting?
- Have you experienced a change in your bowel movements?
- How long has it been since it happened?
- How did it happen and what were you eating? Did you try drinking any liquids?
- Did symptoms appear gradually or suddenly? ^{[12]
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- Are there any health risks the doctor needs to know about, such as preexisting medical conditions?
It’s important to take seriously what your doctor tells you. Even seemingly minor things such as swallowing a tooth can result in serious problems, which can be exacerbated by not following a doctor’s instructions.

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Question

I accidentally swallowed my tooth somehow today. It is a baby molar. I am scared it will get stuck in my stomach. I am 11. What should I do?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Don’t worry about it. Just drink more liquids than usual and try to eat carrots or any other raw vegetables or fruits to help with digestion. Check to see if it passes after you use the toilet. Molars have a round shape and the risk of getting stuck is very low. Try any of the above instructions as well.

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Question

I have swallowed my tooth cap. What should I do?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

It is the same as swallowing the camera for endoscopy but that one is much bigger. In more than 98% of the cases, your cap will get eliminated in a maximum of 24 hours. Try to take in more liquids or you can even take a small amount of laxatives if you get scared, so it will get out faster. Check with a doctor if you are not sure you got rid of it.

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Tips

If your child loses a tooth and wants to retrieve his/her tooth for the Tooth Fairy, suggest writing a letter to the tooth fairy explaining what has happened. This is a much easier and less messy course of action than the above steps.

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Tell the child that the Tooth Fairy can use her magic to retrieve the tooth. Leave the child's gift as normal, and the child should stop worrying about the tooth that they will eventually pass naturally.

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If the tooth is aspirated and goes down the trachea, especially in children, perform necessary first aid or CPR and seek emergency help immediately.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If your child is worried the tooth fairy won't come because they've swallowed their tooth, reassure them that this isn't the case, and that the tooth fairy comes any time they lose a tooth.
Try to stay calm and relaxed if you swallow your tooth. It's usually nothing to worry about, and you will likely be completely fine!
If your child is worried about swallowing their tooth, comfort them and assure them that everything will be okay.

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