Dry foods such as breads, biscuits, cakes and meats needs saliva to moisten them so they can be swallowed safely.  Attempting to swallow a dry substance can result in the food sticking in the throat, causing a choking hazard.

Reasons for having a dry mouth are many. There are more than a few mediations that are knows to cause this problem. Some of them are over the counter medications such as available antihistamines or decongestants. Many prescribed medicines can cause a dry mouth so having your doctor change your medication could possibly be an easy solution.

Treatment depends on the cause and you may need the assistance of a medical professional to help correct the problem. However there are some things you can do:

1) Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. That is tea, coffee, and some soft drinks, also all alcohol can be dying in the mouth but especially dry white wines.

2) Sip water often. Small sips of water often will help however to many big glasses of water could wash away the mucus in the mouth and then your mouth may feel more dry. Small sips of water during meals will help to moisten the food and make swallowing easier.

 3) Suck on sugar free hard lollies. This will stimulate saliva flow but these must be sugar free as a dry mouth often has a higher instance of cavities.

 Good dental hygiene is very important for people with a dry mouth. It’s best to avoid sticky, sugary foods or brush immediately after eating them. Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Visiting the dentist a couple of times a year for a checkup and a fluoride treatment is recommended.

1) Eat when rested. A person affected with dysphagia can often find the act of chewing and swallowing quite taxing, so eating after a nap or when rested can make the process more efficient.

2) Take small bites or sips. Having less rather than more food or fluid in the mouth can be easier to manage.

3) Eating smaller meals more frequently.  It’s often less stressful to eat smaller meals than trying to consume a large meal. Sometimes even the sight of a big meal can put a person off their food before they even make a start.

4) Concentrate on eating. If a person is concentrating on eating as they are eating, food is more likely to be swallowed correctly. So try to avoid conversation and other activities at meal times.

5) Tilting the chin slightly towards the chest can also help initiate a successful swallow. Always make sure the person with a swallowing disorder is sitting upright. Good posture, where allowable, is important and helpful.

6) Finish a full mouthful so it has cleared the throat before taking another bite.

7) Use straws for liquids. Straws can make getting liquids into the mouth much easier and if you use short ones then less force is needed to such the liquid up into the mouth.

Breaking bread together is one of the key little rituals in life. Yet when a loved one starts to have trouble swallowing, the simple act of sharing a meal can become tricky, even frustrating. Here are a few simple ideas to help with keeping meals enjoyable for all.

There may be a lot of spills as the person with the swallowing disorder tries to eat so it’s best to be prepared with lots of napkins or cloths. You could have some made up with a fabric that they like. A couple of pretty aprons may even be needed.

Meal times in many houses are often times when T.V’s or other social devices are turned off to allow for connection and communication. However a person who has to concentrate hard to swallow no longer has time to talk as well. It might be that having a meal with the T.V. on is a better idea to allow the person with dysphagia to relax and not feel like they have to talk.

It is rude to up and leave the table when you have finished eating whilst others are still doing so. Keep you loved one company at the table while they are still eating by bringing something you can do to the table. Bring a crossword puzzle, a magazine, anything really just so long as you stay and keep them company.

As eating is often a frustrating experience for the person with dysphagia why not try to make the eating area as pretty and inviting as possible. Use favorite place mats, make some lovely centre pieces and arrange flowers or candles. Beautiful items are always relaxing.

If eating takes quite a lot of energy then you might try providing smaller meals more frequently. If you use smaller plates and bowls the meals will still be visually appealing. For example you could use ramekin cups instead of bowls for soups.

When a person has difficulty swallowing their food choices can become quite restricted and so it is important to prepare food that can be eaten in the most appealing way. Use colourful combinations such as bright green steamed vegetables with colourful puree’s and switch around plain mashed potatoes with mashed potato and pumpkin or sweet potato.

The most important thing of course is to relax and take time to ensure your loved one or friend isn’t upset distressed while they eat.