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Warning-sign checks

Toothpaste overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person has trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure, becomes difficult to wake, seems severely confused, or develops marked weakness or an abnormal heartbeat.

    Do not delay emergency help while trying to calculate the exact swallowed amount.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison information service or medical professional promptly if someone swallows more toothpaste than is normally used for brushing.

    Get advice even if the person looks well when:

    • The amount is large or unknown
    • The product is prescription strength or high in fluoride
    • The person is a young child
    • Vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain develops
    • The product label cannot be found
    • The ingestion was intentional

    Repeated vomiting, inability to swallow safely, or signs of severe dehydration also need urgent assessment.

    Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious, very drowsy, actively having a seizure, or unable to swallow.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Bring the toothpaste tube or packaging to medical care when possible.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Toothpaste overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.