The Human Body's Surprising Resilience
Swallowing is an involuntary reflex that helps us move saliva, food, and liquids from our mouths to our stomachs. But how long can you go without swallowing before it becomes a problem? The answer may surprise you.
Swallowing is a complex process that involves 30 different muscles. When we swallow, our tongue pushes food or liquid to the back of our mouths, where it triggers involuntary contractions that move it down our esophagus and into our stomachs.
The average person swallows about 600 times per day. However, it is possible to go for several hours without swallowing without experiencing any adverse effects. This is because our bodies produce saliva, which helps to keep our mouths and throats moist.
While it is possible to go for several hours without swallowing, there are some potential risks associated with doing so. These include:
Risk | Description |
---|---|
Dry mouth | Saliva helps to keep our mouths and throats moist. Not swallowing for extended periods of time can lead to dry mouth, which can cause discomfort and increase the risk of infection. |
Sore throat | Not swallowing can also lead to a sore throat, as the lack of saliva can cause irritation. |
Difficulty speaking | Swallowing helps to lubricate our vocal cords. Not swallowing can make it difficult to speak clearly. |
If you are unable to swallow for an extended period of time, there are several things you can do to prevent problems:
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Drink plenty of fluids | Staying hydrated will help to keep your mouth and throat moist. |
Use artificial saliva | Artificial saliva can help to lubricate your mouth and throat and prevent dryness. |
Suck on hard candy | Sucking on hard candy can stimulate saliva production. |
There are several people who have successfully gone for long periods of time without swallowing. In one case, a woman went for 12 hours without swallowing after having her wisdom teeth removed. She experienced no adverse effects.
How long can you go without swallowing? The answer is several hours. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with not swallowing and to take steps to prevent problems.
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