Aim

To help the back wall of the throat to move forward to meet the base of tongue during the swallow.

This action helps to squeeze the food and drink down during swallowing and reduces the amount of food residue that is left behind after the swallow.

What you need to do:

• stick out your tongue
• gently hold your tongue between your teeth or lips
• swallow your saliva whilst holding your tongue there
• repeat this 12 times
• you may find it helpful to moisten your mouth between swallows
• do not do this exercise with food or drink

Repeat the set of exercises three times a day for at least six weeks.  If you find the exercises too difficult then slowly build up what you can do.

You can just stick your tongue out a little way, you can rest more in between each repetition or you can reduce the number of repetitions to make it easier.

If you find the exercises too easy make the exercises more difficult by doing more repetitions or by sticking your tongue further out of your mouth.