Generally, no, you cannot choke on your teeth, especially if a tooth is swallowed.
What Happens if You Swallow a Tooth?
According to the reference, swallowing a tooth is usually not a major cause for concern because:
- Teeth are primarily made of calcium.
- The stomach will digest them, or they will pass through the digestive system without issues.
- Baby teeth are small, further reducing the likelihood of them getting stuck.
When Could a Tooth Be a Choking Hazard?
While swallowing a tooth isn't usually dangerous, there are some situations where a tooth could potentially pose a choking hazard, especially if:
- The tooth is large, such as a molar that has broken off in a large chunk.
- The person has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to a medical condition.
- The person is a young child who may not have fully developed swallowing reflexes.
However, even in these situations, the likelihood of a tooth causing a complete airway obstruction is relatively low.
What to Do if You Suspect Someone is Choking on a Tooth
If you suspect someone is choking on a tooth, follow standard choking protocols:
- Encourage them to cough forcefully.
- If they cannot cough or speak, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
- Seek immediate medical attention.