Playground Myth Medicine Biology

If You Swallow Your Tongue You'll Die

You can't swallow your tongue; it's anchored in place

Kids were taught to be careful not to swallow their tongues, as it would cause them to choke and die, especially during a seizure.

You cannot swallow your own tongue. Your tongue is anchored to the floor of your mouth and connected to your pharynx, making swallowing it physically impossible. During a seizure, your tongue might move toward your airway, but it won't block it or become 'swallowed.' Never put anything in a seizing person's mouth, modern first aid recommends placing them in recovery position instead.

Believed 1950–2005
Year Revised None
Why Changed Never True
Confidence Fully Debunked
Region Worldwide

Reception

8/10
6/10

Sources

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