Swallow Strategies
Only use strategies, postures, and changes recommended by your speech therapist or medical team
Mouth Care
Clean your mouth after meals
Check for food left in your mouth
Check around cheeks, teeth, and tongue
Changes
Small bites and small sips
Take a bite, finish it, then take a sip
Eat slowly
Swallow twice
Quickly swallow a second time
Posture
Sit upright
At least at a 45 -90 degree angle
If poor tongue control, 90 degrees is best
Stay upright - 30 minutes after eating
Chin Tuck (Chin Down)
Benefits
Helps keep food in the mouth while chewing
Protects airway opening
Instructions
Sit up straight and pull your chin to your chest while chewing and swallowing
Head Turn
Benefits
Closes weaker side of throat
Reduces pooling of food and liquid in the throat
Instructions
Turn head to weaker side while chewing and swallowing
Head Tilt
Benefits
Helps move food and liquid to the back of the throat
Helps to begin the swallow reflex.
Instructions
Take a small bite or sip and chew your food well
When ready to swallow, tilt your head back and swallow.