Title: Effect of human saliva on the consistency of thickened drinks for individuals with dysphagia
Authors: | Vallons KJR, Helmens HJ, Oudhuis AACM |
Published: | 2015 |
Journal: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders |
To help individuals with dysphagia reduce their risk of aspiration, foods and fluids are often thickened with either starch-based or gum-containing thickeners. The study indicates that thickeners with gum retain their consistency better than starch-based thickeners when they come in contact with human saliva, potentially leading to a safer swallow.