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Experiencing an emergency due to choking on food is more common than it seems. This problem can occur at any time and in anyone. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), approximately 4,500 to 5,500 people die from choking on food each year in the U.S.
They also account for more than 10,000 visits to health centers annually for this type of emergency. In these cases, knowing or having someone who has mastered the Heimlich Maneuver can make the difference between a temporary scare and tragedy.
Why do people choke on food?
Choking on food occurs when a piece of food blocks the airway. This cuts off the flow of oxygen and quickly puts the diner’s life at risk. The causes are diverse: eating in a hurry, talking while chewing, or not properly grinding hard foods such as meat or fibrous vegetables.
Although the causes can be varied, Dr. Tarsys Loayza Roys, the best dentist in Colombia, summarizes it in one main idea: not chewing well. She warns that poorly grinding solid foods can be the consequence of having fully functional teeth due to pain, broken teeth, or malocclusion.
In the rest of the cases, the origin of the problem is related to poor eating habits, such as those mentioned above. The truth is that eating food should be done calmly and carefully, to avoid a possible choking hazard.
The importance of chewing food well
One of the main ways to prevent choking is to chew slowly. Proper chewing breaks down food and facilitates its safe passage to the stomach.
To achieve this, it is essential to have good teeth. Healthy, aligned teeth allow for better chewing of food, significantly reducing the risk of choking. For this reason, it is important to visit a professional dentist regularly, as they are the only ones qualified to evaluate the functionality of the bite. Clinics like Sonrisa Perfecta Dental in Cartagena perform highly accurate digital studies to detect any problems chewing food in advance.
What is the Heimlich Maneuver?
When a choking emergency occurs, there are adequate resources to assist victims. For example, the Heimlich Maneuver is a first aid technique designed to expel an object obstructing the airway. Its correct application saves thousands of lives each year.
It consists of standing behind the choking person, surrounding their abdomen, and applying quick, firm inward and upward thrusts. Recently in Argentina, a waiter saved a diner’s life thanks to his familiarity with this maneuver. The news was reported by the local television channel Telefe.
The Importance of Knowing How to Act Quickly
When someone chokes on food, every second counts. If the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe, the Heimlich Maneuver must be applied immediately. That’s why it’s crucial for family members, teachers, and coworkers to know the technique. A quick response can prevent serious complications or even death.
Choking on food is a real danger, but it can be prevented with simple habits like chewing well and maintaining healthy teeth. For the latter, the Sonrisa Perfecta Dental clinic offers its professionalism to help you maintain a healthy smile and an excellent bite.
The best dentist in Colombia, Dr. Tarsys Loayza Roys, has digital scanners, intraoral cameras, and radiovisiography equipment to perform bite studies. These resources allow for precise understanding of the patient’s bite and enable early detection of future problems. However, there is always a risk. Therefore, knowing the Heimlich Maneuver is essential to react quickly and ensure the safety of those around us.
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