Toothpaste overdose
Definition
Toothpaste is a product used to clean teeth. This article discusses the effects swallowing a lot of toothpaste.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Sodium fluoride
- Triclosan
Where Found
- Various toothpastes
Symptoms
Swallowing a large amount of regular toothpaste may cause stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage.
The additional symptoms may occur when swallowing a large amount of toothpaste containing fluoride:
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Heart attack
- Salty or soapy taste in the mouth
- Slow heart rate
- Shock
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Home Care
DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional. Seek immediate medical help.
If the product was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- The time it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
People who swallow regular (non-fluoride) toothpaste may not need to be seen in the emergency room.
Those who swallow a lot of fluoride toothpaste (more than one tube) may need to go to the emergency room.
At the emergency room, the health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Calcium -- medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
- Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns to the esophagus and the stomach
- Fluids by IV
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Tube thru the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
Patients who swallow a very large amount of fluoride toothpastes and survive 48 hours usually recover. See also: Fluoride overdose
Most non-fluoride (regular) toothpastes are relatively non-toxic (non-poisonous). Recovery is very likely.
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
