Oral Structures

Question 1

ASHA’s position on the role of the SLP and Dysphagia

Answer 1

• Speech-language pathologists are knowledgeable about normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology of the upper aerodigestive tract responsible for respiration, swallowing and speech
• Perform clinical feeding and swallowing evaluations
• Perform instrumental assessments that delineate structures and dynamic functions of swallowing
• Define the abnormal swallowing anatomy and physiology and diagnose swallowing disorders
• Identify additional disorders in the upper aerodigestive tract and make referrals to appropriate medical personnel
• Make recommendations about management of swallowing and feeding disorders
• Develop treatment plans for individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders
• Provide treatment for swallowing and feeding disorders, document progress and determine appropriate dismissal criteria
• Teach and counsel individuals and their families about swallowing and feeding disorders
• Educate other professionals regarding the needs of individuals with dysphagia, and the SLPs’ role in the evaluation and management of swallowing and feeding disorders
• Serve as an integral part of a multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary team as appropriate
• Advocate for services for individuals with swallowing and feeding disorders. •Advance the knowledge base on swallowing and swallowing disorders through research activities

Question 2

Why the SLP and not the ENT, GI, Pulmonologist or Internist
to treat Dysphagia?

Answer 2

• Speech-language pathologists are knowledgeable about normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, and neurophysiology of the upper aerodigestive tract responsible for respiration, swallowing and speech
• Speech-language pathologists are not only interested in the diagnosis of dysphagia, but also the therapeutic application and management of the swallow

Question 3

Differences between swallowing and feeding

Answer 3

• Feeding is limited to the placement of food in the mouth (manipulation, chewing)
• Swallowing is the entire act from the placement of food in the mouth (feeding) through oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal stages until food enters the stomach through the gastroesophageal juncture

Question 4

What is dysphagia?

Answer 4

Any difficulties moving food from the mouth to the stomach

Question 5

Saliva

Answer 5

• serves to maintain oral moisture and reduce tooth decay
• assists in digestion and is a natural neutralizer of stomach acid
• average person swallow approx 1-2 qts of saliva per day

Question 6

hyoid bone

Answer 6

• seen in pharyngeal stage
• forms foundation of the tongue
• articulates as no other bone
• body of tongue sits on the hyoid bone as it is embedded in the base of the tongue