Made in Japan
The Smile Spoon facilitates mealtime assistance for those with trismus or swallowing disorders and helps prevent aspiration. The sliding mechanism pushes food out and places it on the tongue, eliminating the need to turn the spoon over in the mouth and making it easier to center the food on the tongue. Since there's no need to turn the spoon around in the mouth, it comfortably supports eating and swallowing for those with difficulty opening their mouths wide or who have limited tongue movement. It reduces stress for both the caregiver and the person being served, making mealtimes more enjoyable. It was created to embody the "wish list" we had for mealtime assistance.
Made of PP (polypropylene), it is heat-resistant up to 121°C and has passed strength testing. It is designed to withstand the average chewing force of an adult male. The handle is easy to grip, and the head is compact. The sliding mechanism can be removed for cleaning, and it is autoclave and dishwasher safe.
This product is intended for those with some form of eating or swallowing disorder. Always follow the instructions of a professional when using it. It is primarily suitable for jellies and puddings. Crushed foods and pastes may remain partially on the spoon even after being pushed out with the slide.
It was jointly developed by Kawakami Masaru, an associate professor at the School of Nursing at Jichi Medical University in Tochigi, and Toda Koji, a certified nurse for eating and swallowing disorders at Jichi Medical University Hospital. It won the Tochigi Design Grand Prize Excellence Award.
