Impacted Toothbrush in the Oropharynx: A Case Report

Abstract

Background Foreign body impaction in the throat is a common presentation in the Ear, Nose and Throat emergency room and may be associated with dare consequences. Case Report A nineteen-month-old female was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City with a history of foreign body in the throat of three hours duration. Examination revealed a broken toothbrush impacted the posterior oropharyngeal wall. She had impacted foreign body removed under local anaesthesia. Conclusion Foreign bodies in the throat can be fatal if not promptly managed. Impacted toothbrush in the throat could be life-threatening due to respiratory embarrassment. Therefore, a good toothbrush should be used, caution should be taken while brushing and toddlers should have their teeth brushed by adults.