What happens if you swallow a tooth in your sleep?

Swallowing a tooth while you’re asleep is an unusual occurrence, but it can happen from time to time. If you wake up and realize your tooth is gone, you may worry about what consequences swallowing it might have. Fortunately, swallowing teeth rarely leads to significant complications.

What causes someone to swallow a tooth in their sleep?

There are a few reasons why you might end up swallowing a tooth in your sleep:

• The tooth was already loose due to decay or injury.
• You grind your teeth at night (bruxism), causing the tooth to become looser over time.
• Gum disease has weakened the tooth and cause it to detach.
• Trauma or injury to the mouth overnight knocks the tooth out.
• You cough or choke on saliva while sleeping, accidentally swallowing the tooth.

Adults are more likely to swallow teeth overnight than children. As we age, our teeth become looser and dental issues like gum disease become more common. Poorly fitting dentures can also contribute to swallowed teeth in older individuals.

Can swallowing a tooth be dangerous?

While you may be concerned after swallowing a tooth, rest assured there is minimal risk in most cases. Your digestive system is designed to safely pass foreign objects through the body, including small bones and tooth fragments. Here are some of the potential risks and complications:

• Choking hazard if the tooth is large or you inhale it.
• Damage to the digestive tract – very rare with a single small tooth.
• Tooth gets lodged in the airway, esophagus, or intestines, requiring emergency endoscopy.
• Increased risk if you have a narrowed digestive tract.

As you can see, serious complications are not common. Only very large teeth or dental fixtures like crowns present a significant choking risk. Seek medical care if you experience any pain, obstruction, or other concerning symptoms after swallowing a tooth.

Will I be able to retrieve the swallowed tooth?

Unfortunately, once you have swallowed a tooth it is unlikely to be recovered:

• Digestion happens quickly, so the tooth will likely pass through the intestines within 24-48 hours.
• Trying to retrieve the tooth would require diagnostics and procedures like endoscopy, which have risks.
• Partial teeth are difficult to locate in stool due to the small size.

The exceptions are if the tooth becomes lodged and causes a blockage or if it is a larger tooth or dental appliance. In these cases, emergency endoscopy or surgery may allow it to be retrieved.

What should I do if I swallow a tooth?

If you believe you have swallowed a tooth, the best course of action is:

1. Remain calm – complications are unlikely.
2. Check for symptoms of airway obstruction like choking, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
3. See your dentist to have the area checked and get advice on replacing the tooth.
4. Watch for signs of intestinal obstruction like abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting.
5. Make dietary changes to avoid harm until it passes, such as eating softer foods.

Unless you have signs of a blockage, urgent medical intervention is often unnecessary. Visit an emergency room if you have severe symptoms.

How will swallowing a tooth affect me?

Here are some of the effects you may experience after swallowing a tooth:

• Difficulty eating – teeth help us chew food properly.
• Speech changes – teeth play a role in forming certain sounds.
• Tooth loss – permanent without replacement, which can affect appearance.
• Shift in teeth alignment – other teeth may drift into the empty space.
• Increased dental issues – surrounding teeth are more prone to decay.

The good news is there are great treatments available like dental implants, bridges, dentures, and orthodontics to restore form and function. Visit your dentist promptly after swallowing a tooth to discuss replacement options.

How can I prevent swallowing teeth while sleeping?

There are a few precautions you can take to avoid losing teeth overnight:

• See your dentist regularly to maintain healthy teeth and resolve issues early.
• Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Improve sleep hygiene habits, like avoiding alcohol before bed.
• Manage health conditions like acid reflux that can damage tooth enamel.
• Remove loose teeth or dental appliances at night.

While you can’t prevent every potential accident, good oral care reduces your risk. Seek prompt dental treatment at the first signs of loose teeth or dental pain that occurs at night.

Conclusion

Swallowing teeth when you’re asleep is startling but generally not dangerous. While you likely won’t be able to retrieve the tooth, rest assured that complications are uncommon. Minor symptoms can be managed at home, but seek medical care if you experience severe signs like choking or obstruction. Maintain your oral health and speak to your dentist to restore the space left by the swallowed tooth.