Feeding and Swallowing
Master these essential components of Feeding and Swallowing
Lip Closure
The ability to seal lips tightly to prevent food/liquid from leaking and to create intraoral pressure for swallowing.
Activities:
- 1Practice lip presses (holding lips tightly together for 5 seconds).
- 2Drink thick liquids through a straw to strengthen lip muscles.
- 3Play 'kiss games' (e.g., holding a puff between lips without using hands).
- 4Use a vibrating toothbrush on lips to increase sensory awareness.
- 5Blow bubbles or a harmonica to encourage lip rounding and strength.
Tongue Lateralization and Elevation
The ability to move the tongue side-to-side (for chewing) and upward (to propel food toward the throat).
Activities:
- 1Place peanut butter or yogurt on the corners of the mouth and encourage the tongue to reach it.
- 2Use a tongue depressor to gently guide the tongue sideways.
- 3Practice 'tongue sweeps' (licking food off the upper and lower lips).
- 4Chew resistive foods (e.g., dried fruit) to promote lateral movement.
- 5Play games like licking a lollipop placed on the roof of the mouth.
Chewing (Mastication)
Grinding food using molars and coordinating jaw/tongue movements.
Activities:
- 1Introduce chewy tubes or silicone teethers for practice.
- 2Gradually progress food textures (e.g., soft → crunchy).
- 3Use a 'nuk brush' to massage gums and encourage jaw movement.
- 4Model exaggerated chewing motions for imitation.
- 5Offer foods requiring chewing (e.g., raw veggies, meat strips) under supervision.
Swallowing Coordination
Timing and triggering the swallow reflex to move food safely through the throat (pharynx) without aspiration.
Activities:
- 1Practice the effortful swallow (swallow hard while squeezing throat muscles).
- 2Use thermal-tactile stimulation (stroke the throat with a cold spoon to trigger swallowing).
- 3Perform the Mendelsohn maneuver (hold the Adam's apple up during a swallow).
- 4Alternate sips of liquid with solid foods to improve timing.
- 5Use thickened liquids to slow bolus transit and reduce choking risk.
Jaw Strength and Stability
Stabilizing the jaw to support chewing and prevent fatigue.
Activities:
- 1Bite on a vibrating teether or chew tube.
- 2Practice opening/closing the jaw against resistance (e.g., gently press under the chin).
- 3Chew gum or resistive foods (e.g., bagels, licorice).
- 4Play tug-of-war with a chewy toy using teeth.
- 5Use a bite block during exercises to improve endurance.
Sensory Tolerance and Food Acceptance
Tolerating diverse textures, temperatures, and flavors without gagging or refusal.
Activities:
- 1Introduce 'food play' (touching, smelling, or painting with purees).
- 2Use food chaining (gradually introducing similar foods, e.g., fries → sweet potato fries).
- 3Offer foods at varying temperatures (e.g., cold applesauce vs. warm oatmeal).
- 4Pair disliked foods with preferred flavors (e.g., dipping veggies in yogurt).
- 5Create a positive mealtime environment with no pressure.
Self-Feeding Skills
Using utensils, cups, or fingers to independently manage food.
Activities:
- 1Practice scooping with a weighted spoon (e.g., rice or beans).
- 2Use adaptive utensils (e.g., curved spoons) for easier grip.
- 3Play 'scoop and pour' games with dry cereal.
- 4Encourage finger feeding with small, easy-to-grasp foods (e.g., cereal puffs).
- 5Transition from sippy cups to open cups with thickened liquids.
Breath-Swallow Coordination
Coordinating breathing pauses with swallowing to prevent aspiration.
Activities:
- 1Practice paced breathing (inhale, hold, swallow, exhale).
- 2Use straw drinking with verbal cues: 'Sip, swallow, then breathe.'
- 3Blow cotton balls across a table to strengthen breath control.
- 4Sing or hum to improve breath support and rhythm.
- 5Alternate sips of water with breathing exercises.