Is an urgent endoscopy required to remove a swallowed teeth whitening strip?

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Last updated: March 10, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Swallowing a teeth whitening strip does not typically require urgent endoscopy for removal, as the risk of serious harm is low and the strip is likely to pass through the digestive system naturally. According to the World Journal of Emergency Surgery guidelines 1, urgent endoscopy is recommended for esophageal foreign bodies without complete obstruction, sharp-pointed objects, batteries, magnets, and foreign bodies inducing complete esophageal obstruction. However, a teeth whitening strip does not fall into these high-risk categories.

  • The strip is usually made of a thin, flexible material that should pass through the digestive system without causing harm.
  • The hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in the strip is in low concentrations and will quickly break down into water and oxygen in the stomach, posing minimal risk.
  • Monitoring for symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or signs of intestinal obstruction is essential, and medical attention should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur.
  • Drinking plenty of water can help the strip move through the digestive tract, and it is likely to pass through within 24-72 hours. As stated in the guidelines 1, therapeutic flexible endoscopy is recommended as first-line treatment of persistent esophageal foreign bodies, but this does not apply to low-risk objects like teeth whitening strips.

From the Research

Urgent Endoscopy for Swallowed Teeth Whitening Strip

  • There is no direct evidence to suggest that an urgent endoscopy is required to remove a swallowed teeth whitening strip 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies available discuss the effects of tooth whitening products on the oral mucosa and digestive tract, but do not specifically address the ingestion of teeth whitening strips 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, it is mentioned that some transient adverse effects have been reported on the oral mucosa and the digestive tract if the product is swallowed 4.
  • The treatment of post-burn stenosis, which can occur as a result of accidental or intentional ingestion of a corrosive substance, may involve endoscopic techniques or reconstructive surgery 2.
  • But, there is no evidence to suggest that a swallowed teeth whitening strip would cause such severe damage to require urgent endoscopy or surgical intervention 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal chemical burns and post-burn oesophageal stenosis.

Kardiochirurgia i torakochirurgia polska = Polish journal of cardio-thoracic surgery, 2021

Research

Tooth whitening: From the established treatments to novel approaches to prevent side effects.

Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry : official publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry ... [et al.], 2019

Research

Vital tooth whitening.

Dental clinics of North America, 2007

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.