I am not sure if thats a problem. swallowing is when the throat constricts and sqeezes it down the esophogus. the soft palat is supposed to close so things dont go up into the nasal cavity.
mine does not close.
the lack of saliva means no 'oiling' of the mouth and upper throat, so stuff sticks.
if I had any teeth left - solids just dont go down - pill wont - they stick or go up.
so.. meds and vitamins get crushed - mixed with 2 spoon fulls of yogurt and thinned to liquid so it can be swallowed - a regular size spoon full at a time. this has to also be done with my head faceing forward. any downward postition and - - up the nose. It is a real process.
I drink fluids all day - same caution.
Used to be funny when u are about 8 to have stuff come out the nose LOL
just sad now. hahaha
I have an appointment with another oral surgeon, now that I am on medicare. my ENT is worried that the rotting teeth will rot the jaw/scull bones and be a real big problem. The learning hospital in portland wanted $3000 to take them all out. like I have $3 to spare.. LOL
A real fun procedure I am REALLY looking forward to,,, 'NOT' LOL
my first 4 years when I had teeth I could eat things that could be masticated ( my trismus hadnt gone very far to be a problem ) and they could be swallowed - carefully.
meat and bread (to name a few) cant be chewed without saliva.
so... there I am.
but - I will ask the ent if it might be nessessary.
thanks
ted
:-)