Swallowing saliva properly involves creating suction with your tongue, pressing it upwards, and moving it in a wave-like motion to push the saliva down your throat.
The Proper Saliva Swallowing Technique
Here’s a breakdown of the correct method, based on myofunctional therapy principles:
- Tongue Placement and Suction: The process begins with the tongue creating suction. This is a critical first step.
- Upward Press: Next, the tongue should press upwards against the roof of your mouth (the palate). This upward movement is key to initiating the swallowing action.
- Wave-like Motion: Finally, the tongue should move in a wave-like motion. This wave starts at the front of the mouth and moves backward, pushing the saliva down towards the throat. As the tongue pushes into the palate, it effectively moves the saliva down.
This coordinated movement ensures the saliva is efficiently and correctly swallowed, preventing potential issues related to improper swallowing patterns as suggested in the reference.