Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Wearing properly fitting dentures is important for older individuals because ill-fitting dentures can lead to problems with chewing and swallowing. When dentures do not fit well, they can become loose during eating, which increases the risk of difficulty in breaking down food effectively. This can lead to improperly chewed food being swallowed, making choking more likely.

In contrast, consuming soft foods, having strong jaw muscles, and having healthy teeth can contribute to better chewing efficiency and reduce the risk of choking. Soft foods are generally easier to swallow, and strong jaw muscles, along with healthy teeth, aid in the proper breakdown of food, contributing to safer eating habits. Therefore, the significance of properly fitting dentures directly relates to the risk of choking among older adults.