Rubber bands are important in orthodontic treatment and are used to help align your teeth and jaw. And, of course, also speed up the moving and straightening process of your teeth. But it’s quite annoying when a rubber band slips and gets into your throat. Is it dangerous to swallow a rubber band? Can a rubber band get stuck in your throat?
What happens if you swallow a rubber band? Nothing will happen. Swallowing a rubber band is not harmful. It will just pass through your gastrointestinal system and come out of your body unaffectedly. However, swallowing too many rubber bands can accumulate in your stomach.
Normally, orthodontic rubber bands or elastics pose no serious issue if ingested accidentally unless someone is allergic to them. But it could be dangerous if you swallow a bundle of rubber bands or make it a habit.
Let’s explore with us!
What Happens When You Swallow A Rubber Band
What happens if you eat a rubber band?
Swallowing an orthodontic rubber band is common because it can pop out of your teeth or break. It’s not dangerous if you swallow or eat a rubber band. It can easily come out after passing through your GI system causing no damage at all.
What Happens If You Swallow A Braces Rubber Band
Can you choke on rubber bands for braces?
Usually, a braces rubber band is safe and doesn’t harm you if you swallow it while eating or drinking. In some rare cases, it can be dangerous and cause choking if inhaled while sleeping and coughing. Because it can enter your trachea or get stuck in one of your lungs.
What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow A Small Rubber Band
Can swallowing a rubber band kill you?
No, it will not kill you if you swallow a rubber band accidentally or even consciously. A rubber band is pretty small and safe and it will eventually come out of your body without creating any problem.
What Happens If You Swallow An Orthodontic Elastic Band
What happens if you swallow an orthodontic rubber band?
Nothing happens. Tiny orthodontic rubber bands are harmless. Your digestive system will pass it out within a day or two. But it could be unsafe and upset your stomach if you have an allergy to rubber bands.
What To Do If You Swallow A Rubber Band
Is it dangerous to swallow a rubber band?
No, it’s not hazardous to swallow a rubber band. If it popped out from one of your braces brackets and you swallowed it while eating or drinking. No need to bother. Finish your food, take a new rubber band, and replace the missing one.
Ingesting a rubber band off and on is part of your orthodontic treatment to make your smile better. So, you don’t need to worry about it. Just chill.
What Happens If You Swallow A Dental Rubber Band
The neon-colored dental rubber bands are gaining more popularity among teens. The clinical study of these rubber bands proves them a little toxic to living cells (cytotoxic) if these rubber bands are made from toxic dyes.
Take it easy. Nothing will happen if you swallow a dental rubber band. However, consuming a lot of neon-colored rubber bands can cause allergic reactions, and may exhibit toxic effects in some patients.
Visit your doctor if you feel fever, irritation, vomiting, or breathing problems.
What Happens If You Swallow Elastic
Elastic and rubber bands are significant to keep your teeth in place though are used for a short period.
Usually, it’s not a serious problem if you eat or swallow any part of your braces such as elastic, rubber band, or braces brackets. It will not harm you and just go through your GI system.
However, it could cause a problem if you inhale elastic or other parts of your braces and if it gets into your lungs. It can cause gagging, difficulty in breathing, and chest pain. It’s an emergency. Seek medical help without any delay.
How Long Does It Take To Digest A Rubber Band
Though your stomach produces many strong acids like hydrochloric acid. But it can’t dissolve and digest a rubber band, elastic, and polythene.
A rubber band can’t be digested by stomach juices. It will go through your digestive system silently and harmlessly with food. It may take 24 hours to 48 hours to pass through your stomach and intestine. Finally, it will discharge from your body.
Certainly, rubber bands are essential but their swallowing can be a nuisance. So, keep wearing rubber bands despite how often they break or pop out of your mouth.
Can You Eat With Rubber Bands In Your Mouth
Generally, you need to wear rubber bands for approximately 20 hours or more, as directed by your orthodontist.
Of course, you can eat with rubber bands in your mouth. But be careful, don’t eat crunchy, hard, and gooey food. Rubber bands are supposed to be used while eating to keep your jaw and teeth in proper alignment and comfortable when you bite.
In some cases, it’s recommended to keep on wearing rubber bands for 24 hours while eating, drinking, and even sleeping. However, you can remove them temporarily if you feel difficulty while eating. And, also before brushing your teeth or flossing.
Last Lines
Definitely, braces are essential to make your smile more beautiful. Likewise, rubber bands are important to keep your teeth in place. Luckily, swallowing a rubber band is not harmful.
The rubber band or even braces will go down in your stomach and pass through your gut on its own. It will not damage your stomach and other parts of your body unless it gets lodged in your trachea. But it’s quite rare.
However, it’s more important to wear rubber bands as suggested by your orthodontist. Don’t hesitate to discuss with your doctor if you have trouble eating or swallowing with rubber bands during orthodontic treatment. For, there is always a solution to a problem.
