Can a person choke on their dentures?

Choking on one's dentures while sleeping is a possible and previously documented occurrence, which is why it is typically recommended not to wear dentures while sleeping. The type of dentures (partial vs complete, size, shape, how it's bonded, how well it fits, etc) and the patient (jaw and oropharynx shape and size, whether they move around a lot while asleep, whether there is dementia or not) play a role in determining the amount of risk there is for choking on dentures during sleep.

You will want to talk to you mother's dentist about this further to better determine the choking risk for her and help consider what can be done to mitigate that risk if you are unable to convince your mother to take her dentures off before going to bed, but the safest scenario is for dentures to be removed prior to bed.

Hope this helps. If you have further questions about this topic or others, feel free to contact me directly (click on my profile for details).

Best wishes,
Vik Rajan, M.D.

DISCLAIMER
The information provided above is FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY, and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE/OPINION, is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or disease, and is not a substitute for the medical evaluation and advice of your (or your loved one’s) primary care physician or other medical professional. While striving to be factual and exact, no warranties are made with regards to the accuracy of the information provided above. You are always advised to talk with your (or your loved one’s) doctor about any health concerns that you have and about any of the information provided above. Sole reliance on the information provided above is not advised and would be solely at your own risk and liability.

Have you tried Sea Bond for uppers? My Mom has a partial and since her bout with
pneumonia she hasn't been eating and they have become very loose. She can actually turn them around in her mouth. I cut a piece of the Sea Bond for uppers in the shape of her partial and moisten it and it usually holds really good until we take them out to brush. It might put your mind a ease a little better that they wouldn't fall down while she is sleeping. Does she chew on her dentures? Mom's mouth is constantly chewing on her teeth. She chews them but not her food! Right now where she has been sick, she is only drinking liquids and puddings. Hope this helps. My best to you!

Kabeena, I am so overly cautious about everything and never heard of such a thing until just now! My Mom wears hers to bed and has for 5 years with me. Geesh, now I am worried. A lot of times her bottoms end up on the pillow but her uppers stay in, guess I need to start taking them out now?!? She also drops her mouth open and has severe dementia.
My Mom chews now also even without food in her mouth, I puree all her foods except french toast and waffles with syrup, she loves them so much she opens right up for them, lol.

Reverseroles, they also have Sea Bond for the lowers. I just noticed Mom turning
her bottom partial around in her mouth the last time we brushed, so I may have to get
some for her bottoms as well. Seems like each day brings a new challenge around
our house, as I'm sure it does in all of us caregivers dealing with dementia. It is a sad thing to deal with especially with our loved ones.

Chloesgrams, my Moms uppers are tight and to get them out I have to pry under the back top sides. They are like suctioned on her, but not the bottoms. I took them out tonight and I guess I will keep that up because now I am afraid and wont be able to sleep listening to her and thinking about it. I have no idea if she is chewing on her bottoms, seems like her tongue or nothing, its weird! Thanks for the sea bond info, I think I will keep taking them out now. Arugh

Kabeeena, I would had never even thought about my mil false teeth but just shows we learn something new everyday. Better to be prepared. Thanks for open this discussion for it does make a lot of sense n concerns as well. The dental idea from Mr. Vik Rajan. Also, the idea of using Sea Bond sounds pretty good too n maybe if u can convince her your going to clean them real quick just maybe she will let u slip some on to prevent any choking. However, I would see about the dentist if possible n see what they recommend for some of those powder stuff have some side effects for dentures. Good luck.

As a nurse, I can tell you, dentures will obstruct the breathing and she could suffocate. She should not be sleeping with dentures in anyway, but I know how sleepiness creeps up on anyone. Maybe you could suggest she take it out to clean it, distract her and hide it until she has to eat. From past clinical experience, I have found stranger caregivers might have a better chance of getting the denture out. One could also have dental implants put in so the denture is non-removable. In any event, the bacteria is going to build in her mouth if she doesn't brush and remove the denture. Keep trying...and hang in there. You are working on your wings.