A patient wearing dentures requires BVM ventilation. What is the recommended approach?

• A. Remove loose dentures; leave firmly fitting dentures in place if they do not hinder the seal.
• B. Leave dentures in place if they fit tightly.
• C. Remove all dentures before BVM.
• D. Do not remove any dentures.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is to ensure a reliable mask-to-face seal for effective BVM ventilation. Dentures can interfere with that seal or become a choking/aspiration risk if they’re loose. So, remove any denture that is loose to prevent dislodgement and improve the seal. If the dentures fit tightly and don’t hinder the seal, they can stay in place because they help maintain oral structure and prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. If a denture is broken or ill-fitting and compromises the seal or airway, remove it. After adjusting, reassess the seal and continue ventilation.