08/05/2026
Swallowing a tooth or a broken piece of a tooth is more common than many people think.
It can happen when a child has a loose baby tooth, during sports activities, or after an accident or injury.
Because baby teeth are small and smooth, children may swallow them without even noticing. In most situations, this is not dangerous, but there are times when it can become a serious medical concern.
In most cases, a swallowed tooth passes safely through the digestive system without causing harm. The National Health Service (NHS) states that most swallowed objects — even some with sharp edges — move through the body naturally.
If the object successfully passes through the narrow area where the esophagus connects to the stomach, it will usually continue through the digestive tract without problems, according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Still, it’s important to closely monitor your child and contact a healthcare professional if you are concerned.
Research published in the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery reports that around 93% of swallowed foreign objects enter the gastrointestinal tract safely. However, about 8% may accidentally enter the airway and lungs, known as the tracheobronchial tree. This is considered a medical emergency.
