Toothbrush swallowing

A. D. Kirk, B. A. Bowers, J. A. Moylan and W. C. Meyers
Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

We encountered four cases of toothbrush swallowing and reviewed the literature on this subject. A total of 31 toothbrushes within the gastrointestinal tract have been reported. None have passed spontaneously. Several have caused significant complications related to pressure necrosis, including gastritis, mucosal tears, and perforation. The recommended treatment is endoscopic retrieval and postoperative monitoring for 24 hours in case of esophageal or gastric injury.