What Happens When You Swallow a Tooth?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 02, 2020

A swallowed tooth usually poses no threat and is typically expelled from the body naturally. According to eMedicineHealth, up to 90 percent of swallowed objects pass through the digestive tract without any problems. A swallowed tooth merely works its way down the tract and comes out in the stool .

If the tooth does not show up in the stool within seven days, medical intervention may be necessary, says eMedicineHealth. Medical treatment is also necessary if there is blood in the stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, shortness of breath or any other troublesome symptoms. The passage of a tooth through the body should be painless.