U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
CA
A 36-year-old member asked:

What would happen if you accidentally swallowed small pieces of a plastic fork?

1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Bensinger
Ophthalmology 54 years experience
Nothing: Plastic fork pieces are non-toxic and do not have significantly sharp outside edges even if broken. Your intestines are used to reacting to sharp objects by retracting and so penetration is extremely unlikely. Swallowing pieces of plastic cutlery is probably very common and I have seen no reports about this in the medical literature. So don't worry about it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Mark Brezinski
Sports Medicine 35 years experience
Thanks
May 27, 2017

Related questions

A 50-year-old female asked:
Two days ago, I swallowed a small piece of plastic which was broken from a fork I was using. Would it be harmful to my body? Would it get digested?
Dr. Stephen Southard
Internal Medicine 17 years experience
It could be: Harmful, as if it was sharp, it could have damaged your intestinal tract ranging from your esophagus all the way to your colon. But if it was a very ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old male asked:
I accidentally swallowed a small piece of plastic (the end of a pen bit but not the nib) I swallowed it and can breathe fine but can feel it (no pain)?
Dr. Gurmukh Singh
Pathology 51 years experience
Do not worry: If you swallowed it, not inhaled it, there is no reason to worry. It will come out of the other end on its own.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 19-year-old female asked:
I accidentally swallowed a small piece of plastic that came off a tag on a sock & it been in my throats since Monday, I NEED HELP!!
Dr. Lori Lange
Specializes in Family Medicine
ER: Go to ER they can check your throat visually or get the procedure done by an Ear Nose and Throat specialist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A male asked:
My son 3 year old swallowed a small piece of plastic fork in his school today..not sure he swallowed or chewed it..would it be harmful?I didn't find i
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
This to shall pass: This is neither unusual or worrisome. These will pass in the poop within 3-4 days with little or no impact on his system. One trick I use for metallic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old male asked:
Think i accidentally swallowed small pieces of either glass or plastic ? What do I do ? Eat bread ...Drink water and milk ? Motrin ? What would help ?
Dr. Shariq Refai
Psychiatry 15 years experience
Nothing. : Dont do anything. If symptoms such as bleeding or alarming symptoms develop go to the er.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Aug 21, 2022
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.