Brief Answer:
Please go to ER if you have difficulty in swallowing or pain abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. I understand it was a plastic tooth pick which was probably swallowed by you. Most likely you have not swallowed any tooth pick and it it likely that you are having anxiety. Even if you have swallowed it then it is rare for a tooth pick to cause a penetrating injury to the oesophagus, stomach or intestines, such an injury cannot be ruled out if you are having abdominal pain. The danger is from the sharp point, the plastic will travel out of the system undigested within a few days.

2. It is always better to get investigated, especially if you are having pain during swallowing or any recent onset abdomen pain.

3. In case of a suspected plastic tooth pick ingestion with swallowing difficulty, it will help to do an endoscopy at the earliest. The endoscopy can locate the piece of plastic up to the stomach lumen and retrieve it. Beyond the stomach, it is difficult to look for a plastic tooth pick with an endoscope.

4. Though we cannot see a plastic tooth pick on x ray, a CT scan can be done if you have persisting symptoms of abdomen discomfort. Foreign bodies like a piece of plastic tooth pick can be visualized on CT scan and its exact location will be known and if it is causing any penetration of bowel wall.

5. In conclusion, I recommend that you visit the ER if you are having any discomfort in swallowing or any pain in abdomen after your suspected ingestion of plastic tooth pick.

If there is no pain or discomfort then there is no need to go to the ER, however please watch for any pain in abdomen over coming 2 to 3 days and stay alert to go to the ER if that happens.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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Brief Answer:
Wooden tooth pick is less dangerous compared to plastic

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. It is likely that you are having anxiety and have not really swallowed any tooth pick and this typeof anxiety is common and happens in many people. Wooden tooth pick is less dangerous compared to plastic and rarely causes a penetration injury. Therefore it is less likely that you are at risk of any serious health problem. However, if you have difficulty in swallowing or pain in abdomen then consulrt your doctor.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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