Are bully sticks safe?

I have always kept my dogs away from rawhide, because I am affraid they might choke. Also because GiGi becomes a psycho freak and will bite your face off if you go near her when she has one. I went to the vet today though and he recommended bully sticks for their teeth since brushing isn't doing as well as it should. My question is are they safe? I have never used them, but it seems like once they get small, they could get lodged in the throat. I just gave my girls some and my ferocious rawhide beast won't even touch them.