Clean your mouth after meals

Check for food left in your mouth

• Check around cheeks, teeth, and tongue

Small bites and small sips

Take a bite, finish it, then take a sip

Eat slowly

Swallow twice

• Quickly swallow a second time

Sit upright

• At least at a 45 -90 degree angle

  • If poor tongue control, 90 degrees is best

Stay upright - 30 minutes after eating

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

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

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.