Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat oesophagus  -the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Although dysphagia can happen to anyone, it is most common in older adults, babies, and people who have problems of the brain or nervous system.

Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem.

Choose the right food for the Problem of Swallowing;

If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods:

• alcoholic beverages
• extremely hot foods and beverages
• caffeine
• spicy foods
• popcorn
• bran cereal
• nuts
• cottage cheese (unless pureed)
• skins of fruits
• celery
• dry, crumbly, or sticky foods (such as bread, cake, peanut butter, banana)

Depending on the level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:

• Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin, and broth.
• Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
• Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon-like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
• Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.

Conclusion;

Your teeth are the first point of contact for any food or beverage you consume. This makes choosing a healthy diet an important part of keeping not just your body, but also your smile, healthy. Understanding which foods you should avoid to keep up with your teeth is a crucial part of any healthy diet. Find out more about improving your diet to improve your dental health with Dr. Anurag Bhargava at Global Dental Centre in Indore M.P.