All,

I had similar problems because I was on a PEG tube while doing radiation and the mouth muscles atrophied. What really helped me was the swallowing therapist.

You don't realise how many of the neck muscles are involved in swallowing and mouth function until you talk to these therapists. Not only would she work with me on opening and closing the mouth, but stimulate the gag reflex because it forced the mouth muscles to swallow. Also, neck stretching is very important. We would always do resistance movements where she would push on my head and I would resist her push.

I highly recommend asking your respective doctors if this could help you situation since it did help me get back to normal, whatever that is these days, post cancer.

Jim