What health risks might an individual without natural teeth and refusing dentures face?

An individual without natural teeth who also refuses to wear dentures may face the risk of asphyxiation. This is primarily because teeth play a crucial role in chewing food adequately. Without teeth, food may not be properly broken down, which can lead to difficulties in swallowing. When food is not chewed sufficiently, larger chunks can enter the airway, increasing the risk of choking and subsequently asphyxiation, where the airway becomes blocked, preventing proper breathing.

The other choices, while related to overall health, are not specifically linked to the absence of teeth in the same direct way. Pneumonia, for example, could arise from other factors such as weakened immune function or aspiration, but it is not a primary risk associated directly with the loss of teeth. Heart disease and osteoporosis, too, are influenced by a variety of other health factors, including lifestyle and nutrition, rather than the immediate absence of teeth. Thus, asphyxiation stands out as a more immediate and direct health risk for someone in this situation.