HealthXchange will NEVER ask you to transfer money over a call. If in doubt, call the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799, or visit the ScamShield website at www.scamshield.gov.sg.

​Exercises for Dysphagia: How Tongue Stretching Can Help

Doing simple, tongue stretching exercises ​can help to improve swallowing difficulty (also known as dysphagia).

How to do tongue stretching exercises

Objective

Stretches and improves the range of movement of tongue muscles.

Instructions

For each exercise, you may use gauze to hold your tongue and gently pull.

​Stick out your tongue as far as you can feel a stretch.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Do this ____ times.

​Stretch your tongue to one side.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Do this ____ times.

Then, stretch it to the other side.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Do this ____ times.

​Stretch your tongue upwards.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Do this ____ times.

​Stretch your tongue downwards.
Hold for 10 seconds.
Do this ____ times.

This information was provided by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) Speech Therapy Department, a member of the SingHealth group.  

Ref: K21

Related Articles

Public Events

26 Dec 2025
Public Cardio Dance (Every Friday)
26 Dec 2025
Public Zumba Gold (Every Friday)
30 Dec 2025
Talks SKH Health Talk - Stay Ahead of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Early Detection and Prevention
07 Jan - 26 Feb 2026
Programmes KKH Antenatal Programme
1-Day Intensive Course KKH Patient: $306 Non-KKH Patient: $326; 4-Week Course KKH Patient: $240 Non-KKH Patient: $296 Learn More