Not lengthy after Debbie McClure was recognized with Sjögren's syndrome, an immune system dysfunction that causes dry mouth, she sat right down to a roast beef dinner. She was nonetheless getting used to her situation. So she didn't absolutely notice how not having sufficient saliva, which helps transfer meals from the mouth to the throat, would make it troublesome to swallow, particularly on the subject of dry meals, like her overcooked roast beef.

“I attempted to swallow a chunk, however it bought caught in my throat,” says McClure, a author from Ontario, Canada. She grabbed a glass of water and sip by sip she was in a position to loosen the piece of meat.

When a medical situation causes issues with chewing or swallowing, the straightforward act of consuming can grow to be something however an issue. Ache within the mouth, stiffness or discomfort within the jaw muscular tissues, or issues along with your enamel could make it troublesome to chew stable meals. A situation known as dysphagia may cause a delay within the swallowing course of in your throat or what is named the pharynx (the digestive tube between the esophagus and the mouth), which might additionally make it troublesome so that you can swallow with out coughing or to suffocate.

It's flavors, temperature and textures. Various these in your eating regimen will assist hold the mouth awake and centered, Hedman says.

Swap between bites of one thing chilly and tart, like lemon ice cream, with one thing heat and bland, like mashed potatoes.

Throughout meals, and for 45 to 60 minutes after consuming, purpose for a 90-degree place along with your head tilted barely ahead, Hedman suggests.

“You probably have bother getting meals from the entrance of the mouth to the again of the mouth, strive a mendacity place,” he says. “In any other case, sitting upright is the most effective place for consuming and consuming.”

It's essential to remain centered throughout meals, particularly for somebody who has had a stroke or is within the early levels of dementia, says Kristi King, RDN, spokeswoman for the Academy of Diet and Dietetics.

“An individual with Alzheimer's illness might pay extra consideration to an open window or the TV within the room than to what’s of their mouth,” she says.

Earlier than meals, wipe the within of your mouth with a disposable cotton swab or, higher but, brush your enamel “to assist hydrate the mouth so it turns into simpler to swallow,” says Hedman.

And hold a drink readily available throughout meals. McClure drinks water or one thing that doesn't fizz between every chunk to assist transfer the meals. If water or different skinny liquids make you cough, use an over-the-counter liquid thickener, Hedman suggests. These thicken with out altering the style or look of your drink.

“I additionally keep away from drugs similar to over-the-counter chilly and allergy tablets, or sleep aids that include antihistamines,” says McClure. “Antihistamines, sure [drying]and will certainly have an effect on the quantity of dryness in my mouth, eyes and nostril.

Lower stable meals into bite-sized items to reduce the chance of choking.

“I realized that even appetizers must be reduce into very small parts,” says McClure. “For instance, after I eat chips or popcorn, I ensure that I eat them one by one, slowly and in very small bites.”

You might have to swallow two or thrice per chunk or sip. If meals or liquid will get into your throat, cough gently or clear your throat and swallow once more earlier than respiratory.

Attempt “alternating between bites and sips,” says Hedman. “You probably have bother drawing liquid throughout a straw, reduce the straw so the liquid can journey much less distance.”