Toothpaste overdose

Definition

Poisoning from an ingestion of toothpaste.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Sodium fluoride
  
• Triclosan
  

Where Found

• Various toothpastes
  

Symptoms
For fluoride:

• Body as a whole
  o Salivation
  o Salty or soapy taste
  o Tremors
  o Weakness
  o Convulsions
  
• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (shallow respiration)
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Vomiting
  o Diarrhea
  o Abdominal pain
  
• Nervous system
  o Shock
  

For regular toothpastes:

• Gastrointestinal
  o Possible intestinal obstruction with resulting abdominal pain
  

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