From the Guidelines
Lower lip food pocketing is most commonly caused by neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), that weaken facial muscles, preventing proper lip closure and food manipulation, as evident in a study published in Clinical Nutrition in 2018 1. The weakness of muscles involved in the oral and preparatory phase of deglutition leads to a poor lip seal with drooling and trap food particles in the buccal sulcus, as noted in the ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in neurology 1. Some key points to consider include:
- Neurological disorders, such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, and stroke, can cause oropharyngeal dysphagia, leading to food pocketing in the lower lip 1
- The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia is high in patients with neurological disorders, with at least 50% of patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke experiencing swallowing impairment 1
- Age-related muscle weakness or decreased oral sensation can also contribute to food pocketing in the lower lip, with the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia increasing with age 1
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include speech therapy exercises to strengthen oral muscles, dental interventions to correct structural issues, or medical management of neurological conditions, as recommended in the ESPEN guideline 1. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as food pocketing in the lower lip may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention, such as oropharyngeal dysphagia or malnutrition 1.
From the Research
Possible Causes of Lower Lip Food Pocketing
- Angular cheilitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the corners of the mouth, can contribute to lower lip food pocketing 2, 3, 4
- Oral candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by Candida species, can also lead to food pocketing in the lower lip 4, 5, 6
- Factors that increase the risk of oral candidiasis, such as immunosuppression, wearing of dentures, and decreased salivation, may also contribute to lower lip food pocketing 4
- The use of antifungal agents, such as nystatin, may help treat oral candidiasis and reduce the occurrence of food pocketing in the lower lip 5, 6
Related Conditions
- Angular cheilitis and oral candidiasis often occur together, and treatment of one condition may help alleviate symptoms of the other 3, 4
- Denture-related candidiasis and angular cheilitis can also contribute to lower lip food pocketing 6