Q&A corner: Does swallowing braces while braces have any effects?

Is it okay to swallow braces while wearing braces?

During daily activities, your braces may come off. The reason is because the glue that attaches the braces to the teeth does not have a permanent attachment effect. The purpose is so that at the end of the braces process, the doctor can remove the braces, so with great force while wearing the braces, they can completely come off the teeth.

If the braces come off the wire and you don't know in time to get it out of your mouth, you will most likely swallow it. it goes into the stomach. Here are the problems you may encounter when you accidentally swallow braces:

Damage to the organs of the digestive tract

When the brace is swallowed in the stomach, it will travel the same distance as regular food. However, if your braces are made of metal or have sharp edges, combined with the physical movements of the organs to push food away, the braces can get close to the mucosa, causing damage. The organs where they can cause friction are:

• Mouth
• Pharynx
• Esophagus
• Stomach
•  Small intestine

When braces cause scratches on the lining of the digestive tract, bacteria can enter through it and cause inflammation. If the scratch is small, our body can completely repair itself, however if the damage is large or the bacteria are too active, the infection will spread.

When the inflammatory reaction is strong, you may feel:

• Pain
• Fever
• Hemorrhage
• Bloody excretion

Although the above injuries can occur, the incidence is extremely rare. The reason is because the design of current braces is increasingly improving to ensure patient safety. The edges of the braces are rounded and smooth to limit the risk of damage.

Therefore, in most cases, swallowing braces in the stomach is safe, the body will eliminate them through the digestive tract. However, you should not be subjective because of this reason, because "prevention is better than cure", right?

Affects treatment time

Surely those who are wearing braces have been advised by the doctor on how to eat and drink and clean their teeth to ensure that the braces do not come off. The reason why doctors always emphasize the importance of preserving braces is that if they become detached from the surface of the tooth crown, the treatment process will be interrupted.

Brackets act as the point of force to move teeth during the orthodontic process. If the braces are no longer attached to the teeth, it means the teeth no longer receive force, then the tooth movement will stop. Especially, during important stages such as space closure and fine-tuning, if the braces come off, the time will be greatly affected.

What to do if you accidentally swallow the braces while wearing braces?

First, be calm, you don't need to try to find a way to create a vomiting reflex to get the braces out. This action can make the braces more susceptible to mucosal damage.

Monitor pain symptoms on organs of the gastrointestinal tract. If you feel any unusual signs such as pain, burning in the throat, oral cavity, gradually high fever, pain in areas of the digestive system, pain in the stomach, lower abdominal cramps, etc., please tell your doctor to receive advice. You may need to go to the hospital for an in-depth examination.

If you do not feel any pain or discomfort, try to eat soft, high-fiber foods to reduce the risk of rubbing the braces. The remaining thing is to wait for the body to eliminate the braces through the digestive tract after a few days! In addition, customers who do not clearly understand what dental implants are please contact Lac Viet Intech!

Hopefully the above article has helped you reduce your anxiety when you accidentally swallow braces. Please stay calm and listen to your body. If you need help, contact us.