Paper

1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
3. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Quick Facts about Paper:

It’s not uncommon for babies and toddlers to put everything in their mouths, including scraps of paper. Paper is primarily composed of cellulose, which is harmless. Newspaper print and other types of ink are non-toxic in small amounts as well. However, while paper will not poison your child, it can be a choking hazard.

If you notice that your child is chewing on a piece of paper, it is important not to panic. Take the paper away from the child and wipe their mouth out with a soft wet cloth. You may give them some water to drink to make sure they are swallowing without difficulty. Do not try to induce vomiting.

If a small child stuffs a large piece of paper in their mouth, it could make them gag or choke. If your child is choking, dial 911 right away for help!

After you have removed your child from the situation, immediately call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.  Treatment recommendations are often determined by the amount ingested. The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions and our team of medical professionals will help to walk you through the next steps.

If you would like to find out more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from possible poison exposures, visit our First Aid for Poisoning page. Learn more about the four different routes of posing that can occur and how to react to each. We have first-aid videos in the event of swelling, skin contact, eye exposure, or inhalation.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.