What happens if a child swallows a baby tooth? Is medical intervention necessary? When should you visit a doctor? We answer all these questions in our article!
Children start losing their baby teeth at a certain age. The permanent teeth growing underneath dissolve the roots of the baby teeth, making them loose. With a little force, baby teeth can be pulled out. In some cases, teeth become so loose that children may swallow them during sleep or while eating.
So, is this situation dangerous? How should baby teeth be removed? Let’s take a closer look in our article!
What Happens if a Child Swallows a Baby Tooth?
Between the ages of 6-12, children lose their baby teeth, which are replaced by permanent teeth. During this period, some teeth fall out on their own. Children might unknowingly swallow these teeth while eating or sleeping.
Parents may wonder what happens if a child swallows a baby tooth. Usually, this situation does not cause serious health problems. There is no need to panic. Generally, the tooth passes through the digestive tract and is expelled naturally.
If you suspect there is an issue or notice any side effects, you can take your child to the hospital for a check-up.
Does a Swallowed Tooth Harm the Stomach?
We have answered the question of what happens if a child swallows a baby tooth. Adults may also accidentally swallow a tooth. In some cases, a broken tooth might be swallowed.
People often wonder what happens if a broken tooth is swallowed. Usually, the tooth will be expelled naturally. However, if the tooth is decayed or contains fillings, it may lead to health problems.
A swallowed tooth can cause stomach discomfort or digestive issues. In particular, extra caution is needed with decayed or filled teeth, and it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Baby Teeth in Children
Baby teeth are important for children to be able to speak and eat. They also play a role in ensuring that the permanent teeth emerge correctly. The proper growth and shedding of baby teeth are essential for the correct positioning of the permanent teeth.
There are 20 baby teeth, which fall out at different stages. Baby teeth begin to emerge at around 6 months and start falling out at around age 6. During this period, the teeth first loosen and can be pulled out with gentle force, or they may fall out on their own.
Between the ages of 6-12, baby teeth fall out, and permanent teeth take their place. During this process, it is important that baby teeth fall out at the right time and in the correct manner.
How to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth in Children?
Around the age of 6 and beyond, baby teeth start to become loose. In some cases, they may fall out on their own. However, to prevent the tooth from being swallowed, parents can pull out teeth that are only loosely attached.
You can remove the tooth by gently pushing it forward and backward or pulling it downwards. However, if the tooth is not very loose, pulling it might cause pain, and it could be removed incorrectly. For this reason, it’s best to wait until the tooth is more loosened.
If you have difficulty pulling the baby tooth at home, you can consult a pediatric dentist. The dentist will remove the baby tooth quickly and painlessly.
What Happens if a Temporary Tooth is Swallowed?
Bridges or implants may be applied to replace missing teeth. During these procedures, the treatment and production of the replacement tooth can take time. Temporary teeth are placed to serve as placeholders until the permanent teeth are ready.
Some patients may accidentally swallow their temporary tooth. So, what happens if a temporary tooth is swallowed?
In most cases, swallowing a temporary tooth does not lead to serious health problems. These teeth are made from biocompatible materials. The tooth will follow the digestive tract and be expelled naturally.
In some cases, the tooth may enter the windpipe, which could lead to complications. Additionally, the tooth may cause harmful effects in some cases. Therefore, it is advised to see a doctor if this happens.
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In our article, we have answered the question, "What happens if a child swallows a baby tooth?" in detail. If you have any further questions about oral and dental health, feel free to contact us or check out the articles on our blog.
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