[Damage of teeth by oral airways].

Oral Guedel airways do not necessarily protect the patient's teeth during inhalation anesthesia. This is contrary to the general opinion. Because of the anatomical structure of the human teeth and the dynamic forces on teeth occlusion during postanesthetic excitation the applied chewing-pressure is concentrated by a Guedel airway at a few front teeth only. Under this abnormally forceful, localized pressure especially capped teeth and teeth in gums with paradentosis may easily break. Therefore, the use of nasal airways should be preferred in these cases.