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Can You Choke on Your Teeth?

Published in Dental Health 2 mins read

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:

  1. Encourage them to cough forcefully.
  2. If they cannot cough or speak, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
  3. Seek immediate medical attention.