Difficulty in Swallowing: Causes and Prevention

Dysphagia affects about one in 17 people in their lifetime, yet only about half of those affected seek treatment. Trouble swallowing may stem from causes that have nothing to do with the teeth or gums. The symptoms can point to a wide range of issues, some minor and some significant. The experience of difficult swallowing can be as mild as a short-lived sore throat or a dry mouth, or it can signal more involved problems that affect the food pipe. The spectrum of possible causes is broad. It can range from a temporary sore throat or dry mouth to conditions affecting the oesophagus, nerves or muscles.

The most important skill is being able to distinguish a brief harmless irritation from a difficulty that warrants professional evaluation. Temporary issues often resolve on their own, while persistent or worsening problems benefit from timely examination. This blog post explains what difficulty in swallowing feels like, common causes, warning signs and when to see a dentist or doctor.

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or even saliva. It can feel like:

Food or liquid getting stuck in the throat or chest
Coughing, choking, or gagging that start while you are trying to swallow food or liquid.
Actual pain as you swallow, not just discomfort or a mild catch.
Food or drink coming back up into the mouth after you have swallowed it.
Meals stretching out because each bite takes longer to get down safely.
Extra saliva that is hard to control, a hoarse voice, or constantly needing to clear the throat.

These symptoms can be occasional and harmless, or they can signal an underlying problem that needs assessment.

Common Causes Of Difficulty In Swallowing

Swallowing difficulties can arise from several areas:

Dental/Oral Causes

Missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures
Dry mouth from medications or medical conditions
Painful mouth ulcers or infections

Throat/Esophagus Causes

Acid reflux (GERD) irritating or narrowing
Structural problems or strictures
Infections such as strep throat

Neurological and Muscular Causes

Stroke, Parkinson’s, dementia and other conditions affecting swallowing muscles

Age-related muscular changes

Causes can range from simple to serious, which is why assessment is so important.

When to Get Checked Urgently

If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention urgently:

Difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids
Regurgitation or breathing difficulties when eating/drinking
Feeling that food is lodged in the throat or chest
Weight loss
Pain when swallowing
Recurring chest infections
Coughing or choking with each feed
Sudden change in swallowing ability

If food is completely obstructed and breathing is impaired, go straight to the nearest emergency department.

When to See a Dentist vs a Doctor

A dentist can help if:

It may be related to teeth, dentures, dry mouth or a painful mouth.
There are signs of oral infection, gum disease, or ill-fitting dental work.
A dental review can help to rule out or manage any oral causes of the problem.

Doctor/GP is essential if:

Symptoms are persistent, worsening or with red flags.
There may be a throat, esophageal or neurological issue.

Possible referrals include:

ENT specialist (otolaryngologist).
Speech pathologist for swallowing assessment and safe feeding strategies.
Neurologist for suspected neurological causes.

How Dentists Assess Mouth‑/Related Swallowing Problems

At Delatite Dental in Mansfield, our team can:

Review your medical history and medications (particularly those causing dry mouth).

Perform an oral assessment including teeth, gums, tongue, palate and throat.

Look for:

Ill-fitting dentures or dental work.
Dry mouth and underlying causes.
Oral infections or lesions.

Refer you to a GP, ENT or speech pathologist if not clearly dental-related.

What You Can Do at Home While Waiting for an Appointment

Take your time with meals, smaller mouthfuls and thorough chewing.
Sit upright when eating and for a while after.
Avoid rushing or talking with your mouth open.
Modify your diet as needed (softer foods, thickened drinks) as per advice.

Keep a simple diary of:

Time of occurrence.
With solid or liquid.
Any coughing/choking/pain.
Weight loss or chest infections.

Contact Delatite Dental for an Oral Health Examination

If you live in Mansfield or nearby and have concerns about difficulty in swallowing, book an assessment at Delatite Dental. A full assessment can identify oral causes, guide you on next steps, and refer you to the right specialist if needed. Our team can review your medical history and medications. We will then examine your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and throat area. We will check for any ill-fitting dentures or dental work.

Visit us at 48 High St, Mansfield VIC or call us at +61 3 5775 2277 to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1. What is dysphagia?

Dysphagia refers to the state of having difficulty swallowing solids and/or liquids.

Q.2. When should I see a doctor for difficulty in swallowing?

You should see a doctor for dysphagia if you have difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids, vomiting, breathing difficulties, food getting stuck, weight loss, pain, recurrent chest infections, coughing or choking with meals.

Q.3. Can my dental problems cause difficulty in swallowing?

Yes, dry mouth, dentures or oral infections could be a contributing factor.

Q.4. Should I see a dentist or a doctor first?

If the condition appeared to be related to teeth, dentures, dry mouth or oral pain, then you could see a dentist first. If the symptoms persisted, worsened or were accompanied by any red flags, it would be best to pay a visit to the nearest emergency room.

Q.5. What can I do at home if I have trouble swallowing?

You can take your time while eating, try to be in an upright position while swallowing, chew your food well and modify the consistency as needed. You can keep a diary of your symptoms and discuss them in detail with your dentist or doctor.