Why Can’t You Swallow With Your Mouth Open?
- Fysiobasen
- Oct 4
- 2 min read
Swallowing is a complex process that involves multiple muscles and coordination between the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Most of us don’t think about how swallowing works, but it relies on several physiological mechanisms that ensure food and liquid travel safely down the right pathway. One particularly interesting aspect is that you cannot swallow effectively with your mouth open. But why is that, and why is it so important?
How Does Swallowing Work?
When you swallow, the process begins with food or liquid being placed on the tongue. From there, a coordinated sequence of actions occurs:
The role of the mouth: Food is chewed and formed into a “bolus” on the tongue.
Tongue movement: The tongue pushes the bolus backward toward the pharynx, signaling the swallow reflex.
Airway closure: The larynx (voice box) and airway close so food doesn’t enter the lungs.
Movement down the esophagus: Once the airway is protected, the bolus passes into the esophagus and then to the stomach.
For this to work, the mouth must be closed. If the mouth remains open, coordination is disrupted and swallowing cannot occur effectively.
Why Can’t You Swallow With an Open Mouth?
There are several reasons why swallowing doesn’t work properly if the mouth is open:
Airway protection: During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the windpipe to prevent aspiration. With the mouth open, this mechanism is compromised, increasing the risk of choking.
Muscle coordination: Swallowing requires precise cooperation between the tongue, pharyngeal muscles, and esophagus. An open mouth prevents the tongue from pushing food back effectively.
Increased choking risk: With the mouth open, food or liquid may slip toward the airway instead of the esophagus, raising the risk of aspiration and choking.
What Happens If You Try to Swallow With Your Mouth Open?
Attempting to swallow with your mouth open can cause:
Difficulty moving food downward: Without proper closure, food may remain stuck in the mouth or throat.
Risk of inhaling food: This can trigger coughing, choking, or even aspiration pneumonia.
Discomfort: Swallowing feels awkward and inefficient when the mouth isn’t closed.
How to Swallow Properly
To ensure safe and effective swallowing, follow these guidelines:
Close your mouth before attempting to swallow, allowing the tongue and pharyngeal muscles to function correctly.
Chew thoroughly so food is broken down into manageable pieces.
Avoid speaking or multitasking while swallowing to prevent disruption of the process.
Summary
Closing the mouth is essential for safe and effective swallowing. It allows the tongue and throat muscles to push food into the esophagus while protecting the airway. Swallowing with an open mouth disrupts this process, making it difficult and increasing the risk of choking. The next time you take a bite or sip, remember: close your mouth before you swallow.
Sources:
Lundy-Ekman L. Neuroanatomy: A Text and Atlas. Elsevier, 2015.
Hamdy S, et al. “Mechanisms of swallowing.” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2002.
Cichero JAY, et al. “Dysphagia: Clinical Management in Adults and Children.” Cambridge University Press, 2017.
Ekberg O. “Physiology and pathophysiology of swallowing.” Acta Radiologica, 2001.
Steele CM, et al. “Swallowing physiology and dysfunction: Advances in understanding.” Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 2015.
