Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for pureed diet as follows:
- Poor dentition- Elderly patients with poor dentition/ill-fitting dentures/no dentures can present with difficulty chewing and swallowing. Pureed diet recommendation in such individuals can reduce the need for chewing and so, is easier to swallow.
- Dental surgery- Individuals after dental surgery experience difficulty with chewing food and consequently, difficulty with swallowing. Pureed diet is recommended for such individuals, as the soft texture of the food reduces the need for chewing and is easier to swallow.
- Infection, injury, or ulceration of the mouth and throat- Individuals with chronic history of uncontrolled acid reflux or GERD can present with ulceration of esophagus. The reflux of acid contents up along the esophagus can damage the esophagus and result in inflammation and narrowing of the passage, which can make the swallowing of solid foods difficult.
- History of neuromuscular disorders- Neuromuscular disorders, such as, stroke, parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis can involve the jaw & neck muscles and individuals with history of these disorders can present with difficulty chewing and swallowing. Soft texture of pureed food reduces the need for chewing and is easier to swallow.
