Dentures are a common way to restore chewing function and appearance, but they introduce a potential safety hazard. The answer to whether someone can choke on their dentures is yes, particularly if the prosthetic becomes dislodged and obstructs the airway. While rare, this danger represents a severe risk that requires understanding the circumstances and necessary precautions.
How Dentures Can Cause Airway Obstruction
A denture causes airway obstruction when it moves from its secure position and becomes lodged in the pharynx (the area connecting the nose and mouth to the esophagus and trachea). Ill-fitting dentures are prone to sudden dislodgement during speaking, eating, or coughing. As the jawbone naturally changes shape over time, a once-secure appliance can become loose, increasing the risk of it slipping backward toward the throat.
The mechanism of obstruction is generally categorized as either aspiration into the lungs or impaction in the throat or esophagus. Aspiration, where the object blocks the windpipe (trachea), causes true choking by preventing oxygen from reaching the lungs. Partial dentures, which are often smaller, pose a higher risk of being inhaled into the lungs than larger full dentures.
It is important to distinguish choking from ingestion, which is when the denture is swallowed into the digestive tract. While ingestion is a medical emergency due to the risk of perforation or obstruction, it does not present the immediate, life-threatening airway blockage defined as choking. The rigid, non-smooth nature of a denture makes it a dangerous foreign body regardless of whether it blocks the airway or the digestive tract.
Situations That Increase the Choking Risk
The most significant factor increasing the risk of accidental dislodgement is the loss of conscious control over the mouth and throat muscles. Sleeping with a denture, particularly a partial one, is a major contributing factor because the protective gag reflex and muscle tone relax during rest. This relaxation allows a loose appliance to shift position into the back of the throat unnoticed.
Medical procedures involving general anesthesia or heavy sedation also present a heightened risk of aspiration. During these procedures, the gag reflex and the patient’s level of awareness are suppressed, making it possible for a dislodged denture to enter the airway without immediate detection. Healthcare providers usually remove all removable prosthetics before administering anesthesia.
Other situations that impair judgment and reflexes, such as acute intoxication from alcohol or drugs, similarly increase the likelihood of an accident. Individuals with neurological impairments, like dementia or a history of stroke, may have diminished sensory feedback and poor motor control, making them less able to sense and stop a denture from moving out of place. Sudden trauma or a fall can also cause the appliance to fracture or become forcefully dislodged.
Essential Prevention and Safety Measures
The primary safety measure is the consistent removal of dentures before sleep. Taking the appliance out at night allows the gum tissues to rest and significantly eliminates the risk of accidental aspiration or ingestion while unconscious. This practice is strongly recommended for all partial denture wearers.
Regular professional dental check-ups are required to maintain a secure fit and inspect for material fatigue. The fit of a denture can change over time as the bone structure beneath the gums slowly resorbs, necessitating adjustments or relining by a professional to ensure stability. An ill-fitting appliance should be addressed immediately.
If a denture is prone to movement, using an appropriate, non-toxic denture adhesive can help stabilize it throughout the day. Adhesives provide a temporary seal that increases retention, minimizing the chances of the device shifting during chewing or speaking. Proper daily cleaning prevents the material from degrading, which could otherwise lead to cracks or fractures.
If a dislodgement accident is suspected, especially if someone is showing signs of respiratory distress, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary. Symptoms of a severe airway obstruction include an inability to speak, difficulty breathing, or a persistent, harsh cough. For a conscious person who is choking, the Heimlich maneuver should be administered until emergency services arrive.