Dysphagia—Exercises
A swallowing problem (dysphagia) makes eating and drinking harder to do. Choking is more likely when you have dysphagia. Swallowing wrong may cause food or liquid to enter your lungs. This can put you at risk for pneumonia. To make swallowing easier and safer, use the exercises below.
Increase Lip Control
By improving how well your lips close, you can reduce drooling. You may also have less food collect between your gums and cheeks. Practice these exercises ______ times a day.
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Pucker your lips. Kiss the air, then relax. Do _____ times.
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Blow and suck through a drinking straw. Do _____ times.
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Close your mouth and puff out your cheeks. Do _____ times.
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Smile _____ times.
Increase Tongue Strength
These exercises can help make your tongue stronger and better able to move. Practice them ______ times a day.
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Stick your tongue out as far as you can. Do _____ times.
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Bring the tip of your tongue toward your nose. Do _____ times.
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Stretch your tongue toward your chin. Do _____ times.
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Touch the corners of your mouth with the tip of your tongue. Go back and forth _____ times.
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Push your tongue against the inside of each of your cheeks. Do _____ times.
