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Swallowing
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Clear Liquid Diet
You can eat or drink only things that are liquid. Below are consistencies and foods that are recommended on a clear liquid diet.
- Water (plain, carbonated or flavored)
- Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple or white grape juice
- Lemonade – no pulp
- Plain gelatin
- Tea or coffee without milk or cream
- Popsicles without fruit pulp – no red
- Strained tomato or vegetable juice
- Sports drinks without red dye
- Clear, fat-free
Aspiration and Swallowing Precautions:
- SMALL sips
- Multiple swallows – you may need to swallow 3-5 times per sip in order to get the liquid down. Swallow as many times as you need to until you feel that the liquid is gone. IF you still feel liquid in your throat: gently clear your throat, and swallow again. Swallow as many times as you need, until you feel that all the liquid is gone – BEFORE taking another sip.
- The goal with this diet is to start re-introducing the swallow function.
- Always sit upright at 90 degrees so that you may produce a strong cough or throat clear if you feel the liquid went the wrong way.
- Try to always swallow your saliva, even when it is difficult. This will encourage continuous swallowing throughout the day. Limit suctioning and spitting out saliva when possible.
- Complete mouth care 3-4x/per day.
- Always use good oral care and complete oral rinses prior to any eating or drinking. Peridex or Chlorhexidine gluconate is a prescription germicidal mouthwash that decreases bacteria in your mouth. If you do not follow the diet restrictions, you will risk compromising your wound healing. Sugary liquids in the wrong place can be equivalent to fuel or food for the bacteria.
- Oral rinses prior to any eating or drinking is strongly recommended. This will decrease the amount of bacteria that can penetrate the wound or sutures in the mouth or throat as you resume swallowing after surgery.