Toothpaste or Swallowing Teeth: What Happens and When Should You Worry — Especially with Children

Imagine: you watch your child enthusiastically brushing their teeth, and suddenly they swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out. You are definitely not alone. This is a common concern among parents and caregivers. Many people wonder what is safe and what might be harmful when children accidentally swallow toothpaste – or even a loose tooth. In this blog, we remove that uncertainty and answer the most common questions on this topic. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this guide helps you understand what happens, what is normal, and when you need to take action.

What Does It Mean to Swallow Toothpaste?

Swallowing toothpaste is something that often worries parents, especially when it happens during a child's daily brushing routine. It means toothpaste is accidentally or intentionally swallowed instead of being spat out after brushing. This is quite common among young children and happens for various understandable reasons:

• They love the fruity or minty taste. Many children enjoy the taste of toothpaste, increasing the chance they will swallow it.
• They have not yet learned how to spit properly. Children under six are still developing the motor skills needed to rinse and spit after brushing.
• They imitate eating behavior. Children often mimic what they see and may treat toothpaste as food – especially if it has a flavor.
• They eat it out of curiosity. The candy-like smell and texture can tempt a child to deliberately taste or eat the toothpaste.

Although occasionally swallowing a small amount of toothpaste usually does no harm, regularly or swallowing large amounts – especially adult fluoride toothpaste – can pose health risks.

Why It Mainly Affects Children

Children under 6 years old are more likely to regularly swallow toothpaste, especially in the early stages of brushing. Here's why:

• They do not understand that toothpaste is not food.
• Their gag reflex and muscle control to spit out are still developing.
• Most children's toothpastes taste good, encouraging them to swallow it.

That is why it is important to use toothpaste that can be safely swallowed by toddlers and young children.

Safer Option for Children:

GlowSmile KidsBrush Floris + Free Foaming Toothpaste. Designed for small mouths and sensitive gums of children, this brush comes with a safe, foam-form toothpaste that can be swallowed. Ideal for young brushers who are still learning. It eliminates the risks associated with swallowing traditional fluoride toothpaste.

What Happens If a Child Swallows Toothpaste?

Swallowing toothpaste can have different effects depending on the amount ingested and how often it happens. Occasionally swallowing toothpaste is usually not a cause for panic, but regular or excessive swallowing—especially of fluoride toothpaste—can lead to health problems. Here is an overview to better understand the possible consequences:

Small Amount, Occasionally

If your child occasionally swallows a small amount of toothpaste, it is usually not a cause for concern. At worst, they may experience mild stomach pain, but often there are no symptoms at all. In such cases, give some water to dilute the toothpaste and keep an eye on your child.

Large Amount or Regular Swallowing

If a child swallows toothpaste daily or ingests a large amount at once, it can be more serious. Repeated exposure to fluoride can lead to:

• Effects of fluoride poisoning
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness

Symptoms of Fluoride Poisoning in Children

When too much fluoride accumulates in the body, it can lead to more serious symptoms, including:

• Severe stomach cramps
• White spots or streaks on the teeth (a condition known as dental fluorosis)
• Decreased appetite
• Unusual fatigue or lethargy
• In very rare and extreme cases, fluoride poisoning may require immediate medical attention.

So, is swallowing toothpaste bad? For children: yes, especially if it becomes a habit. That’s why it’s important to teach children to spit while brushing and to use a safe, child-friendly toothpaste that minimizes health risks.

Can Swallowing Toothpaste Kill a Child?

• No, not from an amount the size of a pea.
  Occasionally swallowing a small amount of toothpaste is not harmful and generally safe for children.
• But a large amount, especially a whole tube of adult toothpaste, can be dangerous for a small child.
  A high concentration of fluoride in adult toothpaste can lead to fluoride poisoning if ingested in large amounts, especially in young children.
• Keep all oral care products out of reach of children and use only age-appropriate, fluoride-free options if necessary.
  Supervising and using child-safe toothpaste can prevent accidental ingestion and protect your child's health.

What Happens If a Child Swallows a Tooth?

Accidentally swallowing a tooth is common in children, especially when a loose tooth falls out during eating or sleeping.

Here is what you can do:

• Stay calm. The tooth will most likely pass through the digestive system naturally.
• Monitor the stool for confirmation.
• Call your doctor if your child experiences:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Choking or gagging
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Can you die from swallowing a tooth? No, but choking is a more realistic risk, especially in young children.

Swallowed Teeth: Accident or Challenge?

Some teenagers participate in strange online trends or act out of curiosity and eat toothpaste. This can lead to excessive fluoride exposure or even the intentional swallowing of inedible objects such as teeth or other foreign items.

Parents should educate teenagers about the dangers of eating toothpaste and the possible risks, especially regarding symptoms of fluoride poisoning.

Safe Toothpaste for Children: What Should You Look For?

When buying toothpaste for children, pay attention to the following must-haves:

• Safe to swallow
• Fluoride-free (for children under 3 years)
• Mild flavor (not too minty or spicy)
• No harmful additives or artificial colorings

Mini toothpaste or travel toothpaste is also available in child-safe variants – ideal for school bags, travel kits, or use at daycare.

What Happens If You Swallow Orajel or Use Expired Toothpaste?

Although it is not common in children, Orajel or a similar numbing gel for the mouth can sometimes be accidentally swallowed. If this happens:

• If a small amount is swallowed, there is usually no serious reaction, but it is wise to watch for symptoms such as dizziness or nausea.
• If a larger amount is ingested, especially by a young child, contact a doctor immediately to prevent complications.

It is also important to check the expiration date of toothpaste before use, especially for children.

• Does toothpaste expire? Yes. Like most care products, toothpaste has an expiration date, usually about two years after the production date.
• Using expired toothpaste can reduce effectiveness against cavities, cause a strange taste or texture, and in some cases irritate the sensitive oral mucosa.
• Do not give children expired toothpaste, as they are more sensitive to changes in composition and may not get proper oral protection.

To ensure safety and optimal results, always use fresh, age-appropriate toothpaste and store oral care products properly.

Conclusion: What Parents Need to Know

Summary:

• Is it bad to swallow toothpaste? Occasionally, no. Often, yes – especially for children.
• Use only safe, specially developed toothpaste for children like GlowSmile KidsBrush Floris with foaming toothpaste.
• Teach children to spit out, not swallow.
• Keep adult toothpaste out of reach of children.
• If a child swallows a tooth, it is usually not dangerous – but watch for any complaints.
• Watch for signs of fluoride poisoning and consult a doctor if in doubt.