Can you eat metal shoe tongue rivets?
Quick Answer
No
Eating metal shoe tongue rivets is not safe. They are not digestible and can cause serious harm to your digestive system.
What Is It?
Metal shoe tongue rivets are small, typically round fasteners used to secure the tongue of a shoe to the main body. They are made of various metals, such as steel or brass, and are not intended for ingestion.
Why It Can Be Risky
Ingesting metal shoe tongue rivets poses several risks:
- Damage to the teeth and gums while trying to chew them.
- Choking hazard, especially for children.
- Potential for internal injury to the digestive tract.
- Risk of metal poisoning, depending on the type of metal used in the rivet.
Safe Alternatives
If you have a habit of chewing on non-food items (a condition known as pica), consider safer alternatives such as chewing gum, or seek professional help to address this behavior.