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Tooth anatomy
Tooth anatomy

Toothpaste overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an ingestion of toothpaste.

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Sodium fluoride
  • Triclosan
Where Found:
  • Various toothpastes
Symptoms:
For fluoride:For regular toothpastes:
Home Treatment:
For any toxic ingestion or allergic reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately. Give milk or water to dilute. Do not induce vomiting.
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
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

For fluoridated toothpastes, regular poison management procedures may be instituted (for swallowed poison):

  • Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach
  • Activated charcoal administration
  • Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach
  • Give IV fluids
  • Admission to the hospital
  • Give an antidote
  • Treat the symptoms

For regular toothpastes:

  • The patient may not need to be seen in the emergency room
  • Treat the symptoms
Expectations (prognosis):
  • For fluoridated toothpastes -- If the patient survives for 48 hours, recovery is usually likely.
  • For regular toothpastes -- Most non fluoridated toothpastes are relatively nontoxic. Recovery is very likely.
Review Date: 2/15/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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