Is It Okay to Swallow? The Surprising Truth You Need to Know

Is it okay to swallow toothpaste or cough syrup? What about those vitamins and supplements you take every day? Many of us have wondered about these things at some point. And while there are some general guidelines, the answer to is it okay to swallow can vary depending on the specific substance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wondering is it okay to swallow something:

Is it a food or beverage? Food and beverages are generally safe to swallow, but there are some exceptions. For example, you should not swallow hard objects like bones or pits.

Is it a medication? Medications should only be swallowed if directed by a doctor. Otherwise, you may experience side effects or other health problems.

Is it a foreign object? Foreign objects like coins or toys should not be swallowed. They can cause choking or other injuries.

If you are unsure whether or not something is safe to swallow, it is always best to err on the side of caution and not swallow it.

Is It Okay to Swallow Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is designed to clean your teeth, not to be swallowed. While swallowing a small amount of toothpaste is unlikely to cause any harm, swallowing large amounts can lead to fluoride poisoning. Fluoride is a mineral that is added to toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. However, too much fluoride can be harmful to your health.

Symptoms of fluoride poisoning can include:

Symptom	Description
Nausea	Feeling sick to your stomach
Vomiting	Throwing up
Diarrhea	Loose stools
Abdominal pain	Pain in your stomach
Headache	Pain in your head
Confusion	Feeling disoriented or unable to think clearly
Seizures	Uncontrolled shaking
Death	In severe cases

If you think you have swallowed a large amount of toothpaste, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Is It Okay to Swallow Cough Syrup?

Cough syrup is designed to relieve coughs. However, some cough syrups contain ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed. For example, some cough syrups contain codeine, which is a narcotic. Narcotics can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects.

Symptoms of codeine overdose can include:

Symptom	Description
Drowsiness	Feeling very sleepy
Dizziness	Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
Confusion	Feeling disoriented or unable to think clearly
Nausea	Feeling sick to your stomach
Vomiting	Throwing up
Seizures	Uncontrolled shaking
Death	In severe cases

If you think you have swallowed a lot of cough syrup, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Success Stories

A 2-year-old boy swallowed a penny. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors were able to remove the penny without any complications.

A 5-year-old girl swallowed a marble. She was taken to the hospital, where doctors were able to remove the marble without any complications.

A 10-year-old boy swallowed a thumbtack. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors were able to remove the thumbtack without any complications.

Is It Okay to Swallow? The Surprising Truth You Need to Know