Mouth or swallowing difficulties

• Stew tender pieces of meat or chicken in gravy and serve cut up into very small pieces.
• Try soft, smooth, blended, creamy foods like eggs, soups, custards, yoghurt, milk puddings, ice cream, milkshakes, spaghetti, and pate.
• Avoid foods which may sting your mouth such as acidic fruit e.g. pineapple or kiwi fruit, spicy and salty foods; very hot or icy cold foods and drinks.
• Avoid rough and crunchy foods such as nuts, chips, hard toast.
• Try drinking liquids through a straw.
• Drink nutritionally complete drinks e.g. Complan, Ensure, in preference to water, tea, coffee.
• Pay special attention to mouth hygiene to prevent infection and dental decay. Use a mouthwash after each meal.

For a dry mouth:

• Serve liquids with meals. Sip when eating.
• Suck on ice blocks. Try pineapple juice, or lemon juice in ice blocks for a refreshing mouth wash. Ice blocks will also stimulate the flow of saliva.
• Add gravy, sauce, custard, cream, milk, melted butter, French dressing to make food moist.
• Cook meat until it is very tender so you don't have so much chewing.

Mouthwash Recipe:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups water
• Add lemon juice for flavour if desired (although this may sting if your mouth is tender and sore).