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Tips for Chewing & Swallowing

Tips for Chewing & Swallowing

Adapted from USDA’s “Tips for Chewing and Swallowing Problems”

As we get older, chewing and swallowing may become more difficult. Some health conditions also contribute. Here are some strategies to make eating and drinking easier and safer:

Choose Soft, Moist Foods Such As:

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Macaroni and cheese

  • Soups and stews

  • Ice cream, custard, and puddings

  • Mashed potatoes with gravy

  • Cooked cereal without lumps

  • Yogurt or gelatin made with soft canned fruit

  • Cooked vegetables

  • Cottage cheese

Additional Tips:

  1. Chop, puree, or blenderize foods that are difficult to chew or swallow.

  2. Add moisture to foods using gravy, sauces, broth, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, or sour cream to soften and moisten them.

  3. Cut food into small bites.

  4. Soften hard foods like toast by dunking them in milk, cocoa, coffee, or tea.

  5. Keep mealtime relaxed.

  6. Sit upright as much as possible while eating.

  7. Avoid talking while swallowing.

  8. Take small bites (less than 1 teaspoon per bite). Chew well and swallow your food before taking another bite.

  9. Take a sip of beverage after each bite of food.

  10. Avoid washing down solids with liquids, unless instructed by your speech or swallowing therapist.

Contact your healthcare provider, dietitian, or speech pathologist if your swallowing worsens, if you cough when eating or drinking solids/liquids, or if you're losing weight.

With the right strategies and support, you can make mealtimes easier and continue to enjoy nourishing foods while staying safe and healthy.


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